Pope Francis: Drug cartels are “death dealers” and “murderers”

“Let us remember… that each addict brings with them a different personal story, which must be listened to, understood, loved and, wherever possible, healed and purified. … They continue to have, more than ever, the dignity of children of God. Everyone has dignity,” Francis said.

The UN established World Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in 1987. This year's theme is “The Evidence is Clear: Investing in Prevention.”

Quoting St. John Paul II's 1987 speech against drug trafficking, Francis said: “Drug abuse impoverishes every community in which it is present. It diminishes human strength and moral fiber. It undermines esteemed values. It destroys the desire to live and to contribute to a better society.

After his strong words about how drug traffickers “sow violence and death,” Pope Francis offered a prayer for their conversion.

“Let us pray for these criminals who give drugs to young people. They are criminals, they are murderers. We pray for their conversion,” Francis said.