Vatican conference emphasizes Catholic mental health ministry

Bishops and pastoral workers gathered at the Vatican for the conference ‘A Healing Presence: The Church’s Call to Mental Health Ministry’ to discuss psychological well-being and support for those struggling with mental illness. Organized by the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers (CMHM) in collaboration with the Don Luigi Di Liegro International Foundation and the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the event coincided with World Mental Health Day.

During the gathering, leaders emphasized the need to address ‘invisible’ needs, noting that while material aid like food is easily identified, mental health struggles are often hidden due to social stigma. The conference also highlighted the importance of mental health care in regions affected by war, violence, and poverty.

To support these efforts, the CMHM released two new free online video courses. One course focuses on ‘mental health literacy’ to help individuals recognize symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, and trauma. The second course provides training in ‘psychological first aid,’ designed to help people support those in distress and direct them toward professional care without attempting to provide clinical diagnoses.