Statement regarding the charity 'Santa Marta Group'

In 2014, at the personal initiative of Pope Francis, the formation of the Santa Marta Group marked a renewed commitment to ending human trafficking and modern-day slavery. We recall with gratitude the gentle encouragement of Pope Francis—his words to Cardinal Nichols: “Keep this work going!”—which set the course for all that has followed.

Since then, the Santa Marta Group has brought together a wide range of partners, working with dioceses and parishes in England, Wales and Ireland, and building effective coalitions among law enforcement, legislators, the Catholic Church, and many third sector organisations. Our focus was not to provide direct frontline services, but rather to serve as a catalyst for new partnerships and initiatives. Thanks to this approach, many fruitful collaborations have flourished.

In 2021, the Santa Marta Group became a registered Charity, seeking financial independence for its international mission. Despite determined efforts, this proved more challenging than envisaged, particularly in sustaining the crucial work of global partnerships.

Having considered the circumstances, the Trustees have decided that the Santa Marta Group, as a stand-alone charity, cannot continue and will be closed in March 2026. This is an undeniably sad development, but it also allows us to honour and give thanks for the lasting contribution the Charity has made to combatting human trafficking and modern-day slavery.

The Trustees and staff are working to ensure that the Group’s momentum and learning continue, entrusting, for example, to the Catholic Social Action Network the diocesan and parish work in England and Wales. We are also seeking a new framework for the Group’s ongoing international contribution, so that its hard-won recognition is not lost.

In gratitude, we wish to thank every person who has shared in the mission and service of the Santa Marta Group over these past eleven years. Together, we have built awareness, challenged indifference and fostered new forms of cooperation in the fight against the evil of human trafficking. These efforts have opened the way for others to act, and their fruits will continue.

As we close one chapter, it is our prayer and hope that this work will continue in new forms, and that the inspiration of Pope Francis and the legacy of Santa Marta will endure.

Trustees:

Cardinal Vincent Nichols

Bishop William Kenney CP

Sir Iain Livingstone

Mr Adrian Radford

15 December 2025