ICC Note:

We have a duty to protect children from being forced into becoming self destructing killing machines used by extremists.  The church raising her united voice  against soldiering is a great step. However governments in these countries should strengthen their children protection framework.  It is estimated that there are over 100,00 children soldiers in Africa alone. 

11/22/2016 Africa (Christian Today) –  The Pope has made an impassioned plea for an end to children being used as soldiers to fight wars created by adults.

In his “prayer intention” for this month, Pope Francis calls for an end to children being forced to bear arms. His plea is: “That the scandal of child soldiers may be eliminated the world over.”

He also announced an intention for evangelism: “That the peoples of Europe may rediscover the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Gospel which gives joy and hope to life.”

A video produced by the Pope’s worldwide prayer network to promote the December prayer intention states: “In this world, which has developed the most sophisticated technologies, weapons are sold that end up in the hands of child soldiers.

“We must do everything possible so that the dignity of children may be respected, and end this form of slavery.