ROME. In a powerful address marking the United Nations’ International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Pope Francis condemned drug traffickers as ‘murderers’ and criticized drug liberalization laws as a ‘fantasy.’
During his weekly catechism lesson on Wednesday, Pope Francis dedicated the session to addressing the issue of drug abuse. He emphasized the need for increased prevention efforts and care for addicts, urging the faithful to recognize the human dignity of those suffering from addiction.
Reflecting on his years of ministry in the slums of Buenos Aires, where the cheap and highly addictive drug “paco” devastated communities, the Argentine Jesuit underscored his long-standing commitment to visiting recovering addicts during his foreign trips.
Departing from his usual Biblical theme, Pope Francis highlighted the successful efforts of certain countries and programs in educating young people about the dangers of drug use and the “scandal” of trafficking. He firmly rejected the notion that drug liberalization could reduce addiction rates.
“A reduction in drug addiction is not achieved by liberalizing drug use, as has been proposed, or already implemented, in some countries,” he asserted. “This is a fantasy. You liberalize, they just consume more.”
Pope Francis stressed the moral imperative to eradicate the production and trafficking of dangerous substances, condemning traffickers as “murderers” and “traffickers of death” driven by greed and power. He called on them to repent and change their ways, while also advocating for compassionate care for addicts and legislative support for prevention efforts.
“We too are called to act, to pause before situations of fragility and pain, to know how to listen to the cry of loneliness and anguish, to stoop to lift and bring back to life those who fall into the slavery of drugs,” he urged.
In his address, Pope Francis emphasized the collective responsibility to support those afflicted by addiction and to combat the pervasive influence of drug trafficking on society.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
