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Pope Francis delivered a powerful message against abortion during a Vatican summit on children’s rights, describing it as a “murderous practice” that denies society’s hope for the future.
Addressing world leaders at the international gathering, the pontiff criticized the “pathological individualism” prevalent in developed nations, noting how this mindset sometimes leads to children being harmed by those meant to protect them.
“In the name of this throwaway mentality, in which the human being becomes all-powerful, unborn life is sacrificed through the murderous practice of abortion,” the pope contended.
Abortion is homicide. Abortion..in no uncertain terms: whoever takes part in an abortion, kills,” – Pope Francis pic.twitter.com/u8fuJxFAr5
— Sanoj Thomas (@Sanothomas) November 9, 2022
He expressed deep concern about how abortion eliminates children’s lives and diminishes societal hope, emphasizing that it rejects “the inestimable value of life.” The pontiff characterized this as symptomatic of a broader “throwaway culture of waste and profit” where everything becomes a commodity, regardless of life’s sanctity.
“In truth, nothing is worth the life of a child,” Francis said. “To kill children is to deny the future.”
The pope’s address extended beyond abortion to encompass various challenges facing children globally. He highlighted the devastating impact of ongoing conflicts, noting that over forty million children have been displaced by warfare, while approximately one hundred million lack homes.
Further addressing child exploitation, Francis revealed alarming statistics about child slavery, stating that “There is also the tragedy of child slavery: some one hundred and sixty million children are victims of forced labor, trafficking, abuse and exploitation of all kinds, including compulsory marriages.”
The Vatican hosts the first-ever International Summit on Children's Rights, "Love Them and Protect Them," where world leaders confront the global crisis facing millions of children. Pope Francis condemns abortion, and key speakers highlight urgent issues. @pontifex pic.twitter.com/3X3ML5GnID
— EWTN News Nightly (@EWTNNewsNightly) February 5, 2025
The pontiff also drew attention to unregistered children who exist in a state of “limbo,” specifically mentioning those at the U.S.-Mexico border. He referenced “the ‘undocumented’ children at the border of the United States, those first victims of that exodus of despair and hope made by the thousands of people coming from the South towards the United States of America, and many others.”
