Pope Francis speaks out against human trafficking

VATICAN CITY, May 24 (UPI) -- Pope Francis spoke out Friday against human trafficking, saying at the Vatican the Catholic Church will keep fighting for the fundamental rights of all people.

Francis' comments came during a meeting with the Pontifical Council for Migrants, Italy's ANSA news agency reported.

"The church will continue its cry [against human trafficking] today and every day until the dignity and fundamental rights of each person is protected and respected," Francis said, calling human trafficking a "shameful and ignoble activity."

"It is a disgrace for our societies that consider themselves civilized," the potiff said.