Pope Francis Quotes St. Mother Teresa “I ask for a safe place where I can play." and Asks for Continued Prayers for Peace - FULL TEXT

POPE FRANCIS at the GENERAL AUDIENCE

Audience Hall - Wednesday, 15 January 2025
_______________________________________

The following text includes parts that were not read out loud, but should be considered as such.
Catechesis. The most beloved of the Father. 2

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!

In the last audience we spoke about children, and today too we will talk about children. Last week we focused on how, in his work, Jesus repeatedly spoke of the importance of protecting, welcoming and loving the little ones.

Yet, even today in the world, hundreds of millions of minors, despite not being of the minimum age to undergo the obligations of adulthood, are forced to work and many of them are exposed to particularly dangerous work; not to mention the boys and girls who are slaves to trafficking for prostitution or pornography, and forced marriages. And this is rather bitter.

In our societies, unfortunately, there are many ways in which children are abused and mistreated. Child abuse, of whatever nature, is a despicable act, it is a heinous act. It is not simply a blight on society, no, it is a crime! And it is a gross violation of God’s commandments. No child should be abused. Even one case is already too many. It is therefore necessary to awaken our consciences, to practice closeness and genuine solidarity with abused children and young people, and at the same time to build trust and synergies between those who are committed to offering them opportunities and safe places in which to grow up serenely. I know a country in Latin America, where a special fruit grows, very special, which is called arándano [a species of cranberry]. Harvesting the arándano requires tender hands, and they make children do it, they enslave them as children to harvest it.

Widespread poverty, the shortage of social support tools for families, the increased marginality in recent years along with unemployment and job insecurity are factors that burden the youngest with the highest price to pay. In the metropolises, where the social divide and moral decay “bite”, there are children engaged in drug dealing and the most diverse illicit activities. How many of these children have we seen fall as sacrificial victims! Sometimes tragically they are induced to become “executioners” of their peers, as well as damaging themselves, their dignity and humanity. And yet, when on the street, in the neighbourhood of the parish, and these lost lives present themselves before our eyes, we often look the other way.

There is also a case in my country: a boy called Loan has been abducted and his whereabouts are unknown. And one of the theories is that he has been sent to have his organs removed, for transplants. And this happens, as you well know. This happens! Some return with a scar, others die. This is why today I would like to remember this boy Loan.

It pains us to recognize the social injustice that drives two children, perhaps living in the same neighbourhood or apartment block, to take diametrically opposed paths and destinies because one of them was born into a disadvantaged family. An unacceptable human and social divide: between those who can dream and those who must succumb. But Jesus wants us all free and happy; and if He loves every man and woman as His son and daughter, He loves the little ones with all the tenderness of His heart. That is why He asks us to stop and listen to the suffering of the voiceless, the uneducated. Fighting exploitation, especially child exploitation, is the way to build a better future for the whole of society. Some countries have had the wisdom to put children’s rights in writing. Children have rights. Look yourselves on the internet to find out what children’s rights are.

And so, we can ask ourselves: what can I do? First of all, we must recognize that, if we want to eradicate child labour, we cannot be complicit in it. And when is this the case? For example, when we purchase products that involve child labour. How can we eat and dress, knowing that behind that food and those garments there are exploited children, who work instead of going to school? Find out where those products come from. Awareness of what we purchase is a first act in order not to be complicit. Some will say that, as individuals, we cannot do much. True, but each one can be a drop that, together with many other drops, can become a sea. However, institutions, including church institutions, and companies must also be reminded of their responsibility: they can make a difference by shifting their investments to companies that do not use or permit child labour. Many states and international organizations have already enacted laws and directives against child labour, but more can be done. I also urge journalists – there are some journalists here – to do their part: they can help raise awareness of the problem and help find solutions. Do not be afraid, denounce, denounce these things.

And I thank all those who do not turn away when they see children forced to become adults too soon. Let us always remember the words of Jesus: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40). Saint Teresa of Calcutta, a joyful worker in the vineyard of the Lord, was a mother to the most disadvantaged and forgotten girls and boys. With the tenderness and attention of her gaze, she can accompany us to see the invisible little ones, the too many slaves of a world that we cannot abandon to its injustices. Because the happiness of the weakest builds the peace of all. And with Mother Theresa, let us give voice to the children:
“I ask for a safe place
where I can play.
I ask for a smile
From someone who knows how to love.
I ask for the right to be a child,
to be the hope
Of a better world.
I ask to be able to grow 
as a person.
Can I count on you?’ (Saint Teresa of Calcutta)
Thank you.

____________________________________________________

Special greetings:

The day before yesterday, a landslide swept away several homes in the mining area in the state of Kachin in Myanmar, causing victims, missing persons and extensive damage. I am close to the population affected by this disaster and I pray for those who have lost their lives and for their families. May the support and solidarity of the international community not be lacking to these brothers and sisters of ours who are in trial.

I extend a cordial welcome to the Italian-speaking pilgrims. In particular, I greet the faithful of the diocese of Acqui Terme, the Magnificat Dominum Community and the parish of Lungavilla.

I affectionately welcome the students and teachers of the Catholic private school “Highlands Institute” in Rome. Make some noise!

And let us not forget the tormented Ukraine, Myanmar, Palestine, Israel, and so many countries that are at war. Let us pray for peace. War is always a defeat! And please, let us also pray for the conversion of the hearts of the manufacturers of weapons, because with their product they help to kill.

I would like to thank the circus that will now return for the final photo. The work of the circus is a human work, it is a work of art, a work of great effort. When they return, let's give them a big round of applause!

Finally, my thoughts go to the young people, the sick, the elderly and the newlyweds. I encourage each one to generously witness faith in Christ, who illuminates the path of life.

My blessing to everyone!

I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially those coming from South Korea and the United States. With fervent prayers that the present Jubilee of Hope be a time of grace and spiritual renewal for you and your families, I invoke upon all of you the joy and peace of the Lord Jesus!

Je salue cordialement les personnes de langue française, en particulier le groupe de pèlerins de Rouen, le pèlerinage diocésain d’Evreux, et le presbyterium de Tours.  Que le Christ nous enseigne à reconnaitre dans chaque petit un trésor à accueillir et à protéger. Puissions-nous changer notre monde malheureusement cupide en une société plus humaine et plus fraternelle. Que Dieu vous bénisse.

[Saluto cordialmente le persone di lingua francese, in particolare il gruppo di pellegrini di Rouen, il pellegrinaggio diocesano di Evreux e il presbiterio di Tours. Cristo ci insegni a riconoscere in ogni piccolo un tesoro da accogliere e proteggere. Possiamo trasformare il nostro mondo, purtroppo avido, in una società più umana e più fraterna. Dio vi benedica.]

I extend a warm welcome to the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today’s Audience, especially those coming from South Korea and the United States. With fervent prayers that the present Jubilee of Hope be a time of grace and spiritual renewal for you and your families, I invoke upon all of you the joy and peace of the Lord Jesus!

[Saluto i pellegrini di lingua inglese presenti all’odierna Udienza, specialmente quelli provenienti da Sud Corea e Stati Uniti. Con fervidi auguri che questo Giubileo della Speranza sia per voi e per le vostre famiglie un tempo di grazia e di rinnovamento spirituale, invoco su voi tutti la gioia e la pace del Signore Gesù.]

Liebe Brüder und Schwestern, erinnern wir uns daran, dass wir durch die Taufe zu Kindern Gottes geworden sind. Wenden wir uns also mit erneuertem Vertrauen an den himmlischen Vater. Wenn wir auf ihn unsere Hoffnung setzen, werden wir nicht enttäuscht werden.

[Cari fratelli e sorelle, ricordiamoci che mediante il battesimo siamo tutti diventati figli di Dio. Rivolgiamoci dunque con rinnovata fiducia al Padre celeste. Sperando in Lui, non saremo mai delusi.]

Saludo cordialmente a los peregrinos de lengua española. Pidamos a Jesús, por intercesión de los santos que dedicaron su vida al servicio de los más pequeños, que nos ayude a ser coherentes y valientes testigos del Evangelio. Que el Señor los bendiga y la Virgen los cuide. Muchas gracias.

我向讲中文的人们致以诚挚的问候。亲爱的弟兄姐妹们，祝愿你们和你们的家庭和睦相处、生活安宁，我降福大家！

[Rivolgo il mio cordiale saluto alle persone di lingua cinese. Cari fratelli e sorelle, auguro a voi e alle vostre famiglie di vivere nella concordia e nella serenità. A tutti la mia benedizione!]

Saúdo os peregrinos de língua portuguesa presentes na audiência de hoje. Como Jesus em Nazaré, todas as crianças têm o direito de crescer tranquilas e felizes, distantes de qualquer violência e precariedade. Trabalhemos em conjunto para que, nas nossas sociedades, encontrem lugares seguros e adequados ao seu desenvolvimento. Que Nossa Senhora e São José vos protejam!

[Saluto i pellegrini di lingua portoghese presenti all’odierna udienza. Come Gesù a Nazareth, tutti i bambini hanno il diritto di crescere sereni e felici, lontani da ogni violenza e precarietà. Lavoriamo insieme affinché trovino, nelle nostre società, luoghi sicuri e adatti al loro sviluppo. La Madonna e San Giuseppe vi custodiscano!]

أُحيِّي المُؤْمِنِينَ النَّاطِقِينَ باللُغَةِ العَرَبِيَّة. المسيحيُّ مدعُوٌّ إلى أنْ يَهتَمَّ بالصِّغار، ويَمنَحَهُم حياةً هادِئَةً مُطمَئِنَّةً وخالِيَةً مِن أيِّ شكلٍ مِن أشكالِ الاستِغلال. بارَكَكُم الرَّبُّ جَميعًا وَحَماكُم دائِمًا مِنْ كُلِّ شَرّ!

[Saluto i fedeli di lingua araba. Il cristiano è chiamato a prendersi cura dei più piccoli, a dar loro una vita serena e libera da ogni forma di sfruttamento. Il Signore vi benedica tutti e vi protegga ‎sempre da ogni male‎‎‎‏!]

Pozdrawiam Polaków. Dziękuję małym Kolędnikom Misyjnym, którzy w tych dniach kolędują po waszych domach, by zebrać pomoc dla ubogich dzieci w krajach misyjnych. Dobrze kolędują i ładnie proszą, gratulacje! Dzięki temu zaangażowaniu, wielu waszych rówieśników, także w krajach ogarniętych wojną, ma szansę otrzymać posiłek, naukę i pomoc medyczną. Z serca wam błogosławię!

[Un saluto ai polacchi. Vorrei ringraziare i piccoli Cantori Missionari che, in questi giorni cantando brani natalizi passano di casa in casa per raccogliere fondi per i bambini poveri dei Paesi di missione. Cantano bene e chiedono bene, complimenti! Grazie a questo impegno, molti vostri coetanei, anche nei Paesi in guerra, hanno la possibilità di avere un pasto, istruzione e assistenza medica. Vi benedico di cuore!]_____________________________