Every year, thousands of Europe-bound Nigerian youths illegally travel along often-dangerous migration routes through the Sahara desert and across the Mediterranean Sea, voyaging on hapless boats, most intent on reaching Italy where they hope to make a better living. Their hopes often crumble like a house of cards.

A daily guide to what's happening in the Catholic Church

The Holy Father met with delegates from more than 30 countries in a two-day summit to tackle human trafficking

Jesuit Father Michael Czerny has called for 'immediate and incisive action'

A refuge is being constructed for young women rescued from traffickers in the Diocese of Baton Rouge

Cardinal Pietro Parolin recommended coordinated international efforts to end exploitation in the fishing industry

Pope Francis met with clergy and women religious who work with victims of human trafficking

Women religious provide great assistance to trafficking victims but rarely publicise their efforts