Cardinal Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo urged the faithful to recognize the ongoing crisis of human trafficking as a pressing global issue and to commit to prayer and action in response.
Speaking at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Tokyo on Feb. 9, Cardinal Kikuchi linked the struggle against modern slavery to the life and legacy of Saint Josephine Bakhita, whose feast day is observed on Feb. 8 and has been designated as the World Day of Prayer and Awareness against Trafficking in Persons by the International Conference of Superiors General of Religious Orders (UISG).
The prelate underscored the reality that human trafficking is not confined to history but continues to affect people worldwide. “Human trafficking is not something that happened in the past or in places that have nothing to do with us,” he said.
“People who are deprived of their human dignity, whose free will is not respected, and who are treated like objects rather than as neighbors, are not unrelated to the world in which we live,” he added.
Cardinal Kikuchi stressed that protecting human dignity is a fundamental moral obligation, deeply rooted in the teachings of the Church.
He emphasized the need to safeguard life at all stages, from conception to death, and stressed the importance of fully respecting human dignity and recognizing individuals as created in the image of God.
“As symbolized by the life of Saint Bakhita, I would like to pray for all those in the modern world who are deprived of their human dignity, denied their free will, and held captive in injustice, as well as for those whose lives are at risk in such situations,” he said.
The Cardinal’s homily also touched on broader themes of faith, including the importance of trusting in God’s plan even when it seems beyond human understanding.
Reflecting on the Gospel passage where Simon Peter follows Jesus’ command to cast his nets despite his doubts, Cardinal Kikuchi emphasized that the Church must also rely on divine guidance rather than human wisdom.
“What the Church needs now is not discernment based on the wisdom of this world, but discernment based on the wisdom of God. The Holy Spirit is the main character,” he said.
His message comes at a time when Pope Francis has repeatedly called attention to the plight of trafficked persons and the moral responsibility of the global community to eradicate modern slavery.
Cardinal Kikuchi emphasized the importance of addressing human trafficking as both a humanitarian and spiritual responsibility, calling for continued dedication from the faithful.
He called for solidarity with victims of trafficking and reaffirmed the need to uphold human dignity.
