Pope: ‘Organized crime inflicts a deep wound on society’ – Vatican News

Pope Francis Calls for Action against Organized Crime

Pope Francis has sent a message to participants in a conference focused on employing assets confiscated from the mafia for the benefit of society.

Conference on the Social Use of Assets Confiscated from the Mafia

The conference, organized by the “Libera” association, aims to address the issue of organized crime and its impact on society. Pope Francis emphasizes the need for a global response to this transnational problem.

Importance of Fighting against Mafias

Pope Francis highlights that the fight against mafias is one of the most crucial challenges facing the international community. He calls for collaboration among national police forces to identify and recover the assets of organized crime outfits.

Asset Recovery for the Common Good

While asset recovery is essential for combating organized crime, Pope Francis emphasizes that it should also be driven by the goal of repairing and reconstructing the common good. He condemns the brutality of organized crime, particularly its impact on socially marginalized groups.

Praising the Italian Model

The Pope commends the Italian model of directing confiscated criminal gains towards repairing the damage caused to victims and society. He urges conference participants to prioritize the recovery of the well-being of all individuals, emphasizing the importance of human dignity and inclusivity.

Never Forget the Victims

Pope Francis concludes by reminding everyone to never lose sight of the victims and the community as they work towards building a better world. He emphasizes the significance of considering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their efforts to create a more just and equitable society.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 16.4: By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets, and combat all forms of organized crime
• SDG 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms
• SDG 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration and mobility of people, including through the implementation of planned and well-managed migration policies

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 16.4: Number of confiscated assets recovered and returned to victims or used for the benefit of society
• Indicator for SDG 8.7: Number of cases of forced labor, modern slavery, and child labor identified and addressed
• Indicator for SDG 10.7: Number of countries implementing planned and well-managed migration policies

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: vaticannews.va