Pope Francis has denounced the “scourge” of child labor and other abuses suffered by children, saying anyone who harms or exploits a child will have to answer to God.

Putting a spotlight on the 'scourge of child labor,' the Holy Father lamented that there are 'too many children forced to work' who are unable to smile, dream, or nurture their talents.

"Everywhere on earth there are children exploited by an economy that does not respect life, an economy that, in doing so, burns up our greatest reservoir of hope and love," he said. A child "who does not smile and dream cannot come to know or nurture his or her talents."