The Joint Session made a pilgrimage to the Island of Gorée, known for its role in the 15th to 19th century Atlantic slave trade. The Superior General, members of the Central Government and Major Superiors signed the “Livre d’Or” remembering all those who lost their lives through slavery. “May this sad memory make us more active in the fight against modern slavery and in the struggle for justice, reconciliation and peace.” #SuperiorGeneral

“Slavery “objectifies” the human being, whose value is reduced to being useful to someone or something. But Jesus, God made man, elevated the dignity of every human being and exposed the falsity of every slavery…social slavery is rooted in an even deeper slavery, that of the heart, of sin, from which the Lord frees us. As Christians, therefore, we are called to fight every form of slavery. However, unfortunately, like colonialism, slavery is not something from the past…” #PopeFrancis #NoToSlavery #JointSession #pilgrimsofhopeincommunion