Pope Leo XIV calls for prayer for mental health ministry

Pope Leo XIV has dedicated his October prayer intention to mental health ministry, calling on the Catholic Church to serve as an “open house” for those suffering from mental illnesses. Through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the Pontiff has invited the faithful to pray for a community that listens without judgment and accompanies those facing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges without exclusion or stigma.

In a video message, the Pope held an image of St. Dymphna, the patron saint of those with mental disorders and mental health professionals. He asked for forgiveness for instances where the religious community has “looked the other way,” thereby contributing to discrimination. The prayer also extends to caregivers, including family members, volunteers, and professionals, asking for their strength and compassion.

The initiative responds to global data from the World Health Organization, which indicates that more than one billion people worldwide live with a mental disorder, and approximately one in seven people is affected. The Pope emphasized the need to integrate mental health care into the life and mission of the Church to act as a “living sign” of mercy.