Vatican spokesman highlights Church’s efforts on behalf of African children

December 05, 2011

In his weekly editorial, the director of the Holy See Press Office emphasized the Church’s concern for children, especially in Africa.

Quoting Pope Benedict’s post-synodal apostolic exhortation on Africa, Father Federico Lombardi lamented the

intolerable treatment inflicted on so many children … children killed before birth, unwanted children, orphans, albinos, street children, abandoned children, child soldiers, child prisoners, children forced into labor, children ill treated on account of physical or mental handicap, children said to be witches or warlocks, children sold as sex slaves, traumatized children without any future prospects.

“The Church knows she must work for all of these children,” Father Lombardi added. Of the more than 125,000 health institutions and charities headed by the Church in the world, over 20,000 are specifically dedicated to children; many others are dedicated to education, or to the rescue of children from a life on the streets or other difficulties.”

 

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Further information:

• Fr. Lombardi editorial: "What will become of this child?" (Vatican Radio)