Combatting Human Trafficking – Talitha Kum
The Galileo Foundation is deeply committed to supporting the work of the sisters of Talitha Kum in their mission to end human trafficking and exploitation through collaborative initiatives focused around prevention, protection, social reintegration and rehabilitation of survivors, partnership and advocacy, promoting actions that tackle the systemic causes.
The expression “Talitha Kum” defines the identity and mission of their global umbrella network, that gathers more than 6,000 Catholic sisters, allies and friends by referring to the transformative power of hope, compassion and mercy, which underpins efforts towards the restoration of dignity for the exploited as valuable members of the human family.
On Saturday, February 8th 2020, the Feast Day of Saint Josephine Bakhita, Pope Francis launched the ‘Super Nuns’ online campaign, an initiative conceived by the Galileo Foundation with Edelman PR in New York for Talitha Kum. By creating a page on the popular online site, Patreon.com, cartoon and anime artists are invited to submit work which depicts the courageous work done by the sister of Talitha Kum in the fight against human trafficking around the world.
Pope Francis met Sr Pat Murray of the UISG and Sr Gabriella Bottani of Talitha Kum, John McCaffrey, Jimmie Stone of Edelman PR and Steve Powers, also known as ESPO, the first artist whose work features on the sisters’ Patreon page. Steve’s mural was originally painted on a wall in Brooklyn, New York and as well as presenting a gift copy to the Holy Father, Pope Francis signed a copy for the campaign before officially launching the SuperNuns page on Patreon.
Galileo Foundation raising awareness about human trafficking – Vatican News
In Fight to Stop Human Trafficking, Nuns Take to the Streets – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
In July 2022, to mark the International Day Against Human Trafficking, the foundation in collaboration with the Holy See Permanent Mission to the United Nations, staged the ‘Nuns Healing Hearts’ exhibition at the United Nations. As well as photographer Lisa Kristine, we were delighted to welcome Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, Sister Gabriella Bottani and Mons. David Charters from the Holy See Mission who moderated a symposium on Human Trafficking before the exhibition launch. Read more: “Nuns Healing Hearts”: online exhibition (uisg.org)
The Galileo Foundation is proud to continue its longstanding support of Talitha Kum as it celebrates its’ 15th anniversary in May 2024.
Read more about Talitha Kum here: Talithakum