The theme for this 11th anniversary of the day is “Ambassadors of Hope: Together Against Human Trafficking”, in line with the Holy Father’s invitation to be “pilgrims of peace and apostles of hope” during Jubilee 2025. February 8th was chosen by the Pope in 2015 as it is the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, the patron saint of victims of human trafficking who was herself abducted as a child from her native Sudan by slave traders. Despite her loss of freedom, identity, and dignity, St. Josephine’s story is one of extraordinary resilience and redemption. Re-gaining her freedom in Italy, she became a nun and dedicated her life to serving others and advocating for human dignity.
The number of forcibly displaced people worldwide reached 120 million in May 2024 (UN High Commissioner for Refugees); migrants and refugees are particularly vulnerable to forced imprisonment and modern slavery. Human dignity is the cornerstone of Catholic Social teaching, and this year’s theme emphasises our collective responsibility to address this global crisis, which doesn’t just take place on far-off shores or in big cities, but right here at home.