Stella Maris, the Catholic maritime apostolate, is calling for urgent prayer and advocacy for approximately 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the U.S. and Iran conflict. As the Strait of Hormuz remains blockaded, these innocent workers face extreme mental fatigue and physical danger. Under the guidance of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and with the support of Pope Leo XIV, the ministry seeks to accompany those caught in geopolitical crossfire.
Sister Joanna Okerke and Bishop Frank Schuster emphasize that their mission is to advocate for the human dignity of those often forgotten at sea. Beyond the immediate war, the apostolate addresses the ethical crisis of ‘ship abandonment,’ which reached record levels in 2025, leaving thousands uncompensated and isolated by vessel owners.
By providing spiritual intercession and practical support, Stella Maris fulfills its namesake as ‘Our Lady, Star of the Sea,’ ensuring the vulnerable are not abandoned to storms, piracy, or the indifference of earthly powers and geopolitical strife.
