Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has dedicated his monthly prayer intention for November to one of the most pressing and painful realities of modern society the prevention of suicide. In his message released through The Pope Video, the Holy Father calls upon the faithful to unite in prayer and compassionate action for all those struggling in darkness, despair, and emotional isolation.
Opening the video message, Pope Leo implores the global Church to pray that those burdened by suicidal thoughts “may find the support, care, and love they need within their community and rediscover the beauty of life.” He prays to the Lord, who welcomes “the weary and the burdened,” to remain close to all who dwell in the shadows of suffering and hopelessness.
“May they always find a community that welcomes them, listens to them, and accompanies them,” the Pope says. His appeal underscores not only prayer but also the Church’s responsibility to create spaces of listening, understanding, and professional care for those facing inner anguish.
Pope Leo XIV invites every believer to cultivate “an attentive and compassionate heart,” capable of offering comfort and tangible support to those in distress. “May we know how to be near others with respect and tenderness,” he continues, “helping to heal wounds, rebuild trust, and open new horizons of hope.”
His message emphasizes that suicide is not merely a medical or psychological crisis but also a deeply spiritual and communal concern, calling for empathy and solidarity. “Together,” he adds, “may we rediscover that life is a gift that even in the midst of pain and suffering, beauty and meaning still endure.”
The Pope’s message carries a sober reminder that no one is immune to despair. “Even those who follow Jesus are not exempt from sadness without hope,” he reflects. The statement resonates with a growing understanding within the Church that mental health struggles can affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of faith.
Concluding his prayer, Pope Leo appeals to divine mercy: “Lord, make us feel Your love so that, through Your closeness, we may proclaim to everyone the infinite love of the Father the love that renews our trust in the life You give us.”
The November message was released through The Pope Video, a global initiative coordinated by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, in collaboration with Vatican Media and with the support of the Diocese of Phoenix, Arizona. Produced by Coronation Media and coordinated by Andrea Sarubbi, the series aims to bring the Pope’s monthly prayer intentions to life through cinematic storytelling and emotional resonance.
Since its launch in 2016, The Pope Video has reached more than 247 million viewers across social media platforms and is translated into over 23 languages, receiving media coverage in more than 114 countries.
The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, a Pontifical Society established to mobilize Catholics in prayer and service, echoes the Holy Father’s call by urging believers to combine faith with tangible outreach. The Network emphasizes that spiritual accompaniment, compassionate listening, and professional mental health support must go hand in hand in addressing the tragedy of suicide.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 720,000 people die by suicide every year a number that surpasses deaths from war and homicide combined. More than half of these deaths occur before the age of 50, underscoring a growing global mental health crisis.
By dedicating his prayer intention to suicide prevention, Pope Leo XIV not only sheds light on an often-silenced issue but also renews the Church’s mission to stand beside those who suffer. His words serve as both a pastoral invitation and a moral imperative — to replace silence with compassion, judgment with understanding, and despair with the healing light of faith.