VATICAN CITY, JULY 1, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI decried extortion as a form of humiliating slavery, calling on governments to support families who find the courage to denounce those who prey on their already-difficult situations.
The Pope spoke of usury and extortion today at the end of the general audience, when he greeted the Italian National Anti-Usury Council.
The Holy Father thanked them for "the important and much appreciated work they do with the victims of this social plague."
"I hope," he continued, "that there will be a renewed determination by everyone to effectively work against the devastating phenomenon of usury and extortion, which is a humiliating form of slavery."
He urged "adequate help and support from the state for those families affected [by this] and in difficulties, who have the courage to denounce those who take advantage of their tragic situations."
ZE09070106 - 2009-07-01
Permalink: http://www.zenit.org/article-26338?l=english
Extortionists Are Slaveholders, Says Pope
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