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. Its 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 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.

Sadly, as a result, the Trustees decided that the Santa Marta Group, as a stand-alone charity, could not continue and hence it closed in March 2026.

We are also seeking a new framework for the Group’s ongoing international contribution, so that its hard-won recognition is not lost.

Domestic work

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and its domestic social action charity, the Catholic Social Action Network (CSAN), would like to see the Santa Marta Group’s momentum and learning continue in our dioceses and parishes.