In a meeting with other faith leaders , Francis called slavery a ` ` crime against humanity '' Christian , Muslim , Jewish , Buddhist and Hindu representatives sign declaration . By signing , they pledge to support action to end slavery by the year 2020 . Global Slavery Crisis : ` This takes place both in cities and in villages -- in villages of the richest and the poorest nations on earth . '' More than 35 million people are in bondage worldwide .
In a meeting with other faith leaders , Francis called slavery a ` ` crime against humanity '' Christian , Muslim , Jewish , Buddhist and Hindu representatives sign declaration . By signing , they pledge to support action to end slavery by the year 2020 . Global Slavery Crisis : More than 35 million people are in bondage worldwide .