We publish below the text of the Pope’s video with the prayer intention for the month of June, distributed through the Pope’s Global Prayer Network on the theme: “For the Abolition of Torture – Let us pray that the international community commits itself concretely to the abolition of torture, guaranteeing support for the victims and their families”.

Text of the Holy Father’s video

Torture – My God, torture!

Torture is not a story of yesterday. Sadly, it is part of our history today.

How is it possible that the human capacity for cruelty is so great?

There are very violent forms of torture, others more sophisticated, such as degrading treatment, the nullification of the senses, or mass detentions in conditions that are not humane, that take away people’s dignity.

But this is nothing new. Let us think of Jesus himself, how he was tortured and crucified.

Let us stop this horror of torture. It is essential to put the dignity of the person above all else.

Otherwise, the victims are not persons, they are “things” and can be abused beyond measure, causing death or permanent psychological and physical damage for life.

Pray that the international community will commit itself concretely to the abolition of torture, ensuring support for victims and their families.

[Original text: Español]

Video of the Holy Father