Santa Marta Group Meets

Church Leaders and Police Chiefs Working to Combat Human Trafficking

Established in 2014, the Santa Marta Group recently held a two day conference in the Vatican. Representatives from thirty countries participated in the conference. In addressing the conference delegates, Pope Francis lamented “The number of these victims – international organisations say – grows, unfortunately, every year. They are helpless, their dignity is stolen, their physical and psychological integrity, and even their life.” Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Santa Marta Group, addressed the Pope giving a report of the activities of the group during the past two years.

“Today we present to you the Reports of the progress we have made, in our respective countries, over the last two years. These Reports contain much that is positive and encouraging….While the Reports give details of thousands who have been rescued and brought to freedom, they also contain expressions of frustration. This growing sense of frustration is also a sign of progress as it expresses our strong determination to see the elimination of human trafficking given a greater priority and tackled with more urgency.” Read more…