A cordial and hopeful meeting took place in London, UK on April 10 between the newly appointed leadership of the Apostleship of the Sea and representatives of the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA), marking an important moment of renewal and continuity in global seafarers’ welfare. The Apostleship of the Sea, Apostolatus Maris in Latin, is known in many ports or countries also by the Latin title Stella Maris, which refers to Mary, Star of the Sea.
Pope Leo XIV updated the structures of the Apostleship of the Sea in the official chirograph document dated 13 November 2025. Following the establishment of the Apostleship of the Sea as the central and coordinating body of the work of the Apostleship of the Sea worldwide, the Apostolatus Maris now enjoys canonical public juridical personality and has its headquarters in the Vatican City State. It is canonically dependent on the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, which exercises both the direction of the entire work of the Apostleship of the Sea and the supervision of its central body.
During this foundational period, Bishop Luis Quinteiro Fiuza serves as President ad interim, and Fr. Ritchille Salinas, S.V.D., as Secretary General ad interim, entrusted with guiding the organization in its initial phase of development. This process has carefully accompanied by the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. In this context, Fr. Avelino Chico,S.J., Capo Ufficio (Head of Office) of the Dicastery, joined and accompanied the leadership of the Apostleship of the Sea leadership during the official visit to London.
Bishop Fiuza had previously served as Bishop Promoter to the Spanish Episcopal Conference and Fr. Salinas, as Port Chaplain in Hamburg, Germany. In addition to serving as the international reference leaders for the Apostleship of the Sea, they are entrusted with the primary task of preparing its first General Assembly.
In these early days of its renewed life, the Apostleship of the Sea leadership has undertaken a series of high-level meetings in London, a city of central importance to the global maritime community. As the home of the International Maritime Organization, as well as key industry and labor bodies, London provides a natural gathering point for dialogue among those shaping the present and future of maritime life. Over several days, the Apostleship of the Sea delegation has engaged with these partners, strengthening relationships and deepening mutual understanding.
Among these meetings was a scheduled and warm exchange with ICMA. The association was represented by Trustee, Pastor Matthias Ristau and General Secretary Dr. Jason Zuidema. The conversation provided an opportunity to reflect on ICMA’s global mission, its network of member organizations, and its long-standing commitment to the welfare of seafarers in ports around the world. Particular attention was given to the historic and ongoing contribution of the Apostleship of the Sea within this shared work.
Indeed, the Apostleship of the Sea holds a place of deep significance within ICMA’s story. As one of its founding members in 1969, it has been central to the development of ecumenical cooperation in maritime ministry. Its global reach, pastoral presence, and longstanding dedication to seafarers have shaped not only its own tradition but also the broader ethos of collaboration that defines ICMA. This shared history provided a rich backdrop for the present conversation, underscoring both continuity and renewal.
Looking ahead, the relationship between the Apostleship of the Sea and ICMA will continue to be strengthened through active participation in governance and shared initiatives. Fr. Ritchille has been confirmed by Apostleship of the Sea to take on the role of trustee within ICMA, representing the Apostleship of the Sea at a global level. In doing so, he will bring the perspectives, priorities, and lived experience of Apostleship of the Sea chaplains and volunteers into the heart of ICMA’s decision-making processes.
The meeting in London was marked by a spirit of mutual respect and genuine enthusiasm. It offered a valuable opportunity to exchange priorities, to learn about emerging projects, and to establish a firm foundation for collaboration in the years ahead. At a time when seafarers continue to face complex challenges, such moments of unity and shared purpose are both encouraging and necessary.
For more on the Apostleship of the Sea, see this news update.