BY Daniel Harkins | November 18 | 
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Protect children from slavery and war, Pope says
During his weekly general audience address, the Holy Father called for children to have the right to schooling and a wholesome upbringing
Pope Francis called for he protection of children from slavery and war during his general audience address this morning.
Ahead of the UN-sponsored World Day for the Rights of the Child on Friday, the Pope said it is everyone’s duty to protect children, especially from abuse in all its forms, particularly slavery and the brutality of forced military service.
“I hope the international community shall be vigilant over the living conditions of children, especially where they are exposed to recruitment by armed groups,” he said. “I also hope the international community will help families ensure every child the right to schooling and a wholesome upbringing.”
The Holy Father also told pilgrims in St Peter’s Square that the Church is the doorman but not the boss of the Lord’s home.
“As guardians of that door, we in the Church are called to be welcoming to all who seek to enter the fold of the Good Shepherd,” he said. “May the doors of our Christian homes be signs and symbols of the door of God’s mercy, a door ever open to all who knock and desire to meet Jesus.”
Pope Francis has declared that the year from December 8 to November 20, 2016, will be a Holy Year of Mercy. Yesterday, the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica was unveiled ahead of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, with the brick wall that has hidden it since the Holy Year of 2000 removed.
At the end of the general audience, the Holy Father greeted members of Poland’s independent self-governing Trade Union Solidarność (Solidarity), praising it for its 35-year commitment to the world of labour.
The Trade Union was instrumental in the fall of Communism in Poland.
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