The hard work and dangers that mark the lives of most seafarers demand people's attention, said the Pontifical Council for Migrants and Travellers.
Not only must their human and labour rights be protected, they also need spiritual care, the council said, urging the world's bishops "to establish and support the maritime apostolate as 'a visible sign of your affectionate attention to those who cannot receive ordinary pastoral care.'"
The council's invitation came in its written message for Sea Sunday, celebrated on July 10 this year. The message, signed by Cardinal Antonio Maria Veglio, council president, was released in four languages by the Vatican on July 4.
