Rome: As mental health challenges rise worldwide, the Ministry of Hope Catholic Conference on Mental Wellbeing, held in Rome, highlighted the Church’s efforts to combat isolation and extreme individualism by reaffirming the centrality of human dignity.
On the second day of the conference, participants from around the world shared experiences of suffering and resilience, ranging from humanitarian crises and poverty-driven hardships to social isolation in more stable societies. Experts, clergy, and medical professionals offered insights from their work supporting people facing mental health challenges in today’s complex world.
Deacon Ed Shoener from the Diocese of Scranton, Pennsylvania who tragically lost his daughter to suicide in 2016 explained to Vatican News that the gathering aimed to “bring together diverse voices from around the globe to understand how different communities are addressing the pressing challenges of mental health and suicidality.”
Samuelle Falk, a Catholic psychiatrist, mother, and autism researcher from Stockholm, described Sweden’s mental health crisis, noting that one-third of deaths among young people aged 15–29 were due to suicide. She attributed this partly to Sweden’s secular culture, which fosters extreme individualism and discourages personal sharing. “From an early age, people are taught to be self-sufficient and independent,” she explained, “but this ideal often masks the deep human need for connection and support.”
Bishop John Dolan of Phoenix, Arizona, who has personally endured the loss of multiple family members to suicide, underscored the Church’s vital role in offering presence and compassion. “The Church may not have all the psychological answers, nor should it, but it is there with love,” he said. He stressed that Pope Francis’ document Dignitas Infinita, which emphasizes human dignity across ontological, moral, social, and existential dimensions, provides a foundation for addressing mental health. In particular, Bishop Dolan highlighted the existential aspect, reminding youth that their worth is inherent, not dependent on achievements or performance.
As the conference moved into its final day, discussions focused on pastoral approaches to mental health, with a particular emphasis on young people. Bishop Dolan stated, “They are not just the future of the Church; they are the Church.” Both he and Ms. Falk emphasized that nurturing an understanding of innate human dignity helps young people resist cultural pressures that contribute to isolation.
Ms. Falk noted that in Sweden, a so-called “Pope Francis effect” is emerging, as young people increasingly discover faith and Christ even within secular environments. The Church in Sweden is actively integrating this mission into its outreach, promoting the message that true dignity is found in Christ.
Deacon Shoener emphasized the urgency of conversations on mental health, noting that the stories shared during the conference consistently highlighted the need for Christ’s presence in facing these challenges. Since the first conference in Rome in 2024, the initiative has expanded globally, reaching communities, parishes, and dioceses. “We are witnessing bishops, Vatican leaders, and even the Pope engaging in this important dialogue,” Shoener said, recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit in raising awareness of mental health across the Church.