Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has dedicated his October prayer intention to mental health ministry, calling on the Catholic Church to become a welcoming place for people living with mental illness and to help overcome the stigma and discrimination they often face.
In his monthly “Pray with the Pope” video, released on October 1, Pope Leo prayed for people experiencing mental health difficulties, including anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses. He asked the Church to become an open house where people who are suffering can find welcome, dignity and hope.
The Pope also called for greater attention to people who may suffer in silence. He said the Church should be a safe space where everyone has a place and described a community that accompanies people rather than excludes them, listens without judging and draws near without fear.
Pope Leo also remembered those who care for people facing mental health difficulties. He prayed for professionals, family members and volunteers, asking for strength and compassion for those who support people through difficult periods in their lives.
The prayer intention calls for mental health ministry to be established throughout the Church and for Catholics to help overcome the stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental illnesses.
The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network, which promotes the monthly papal prayer intentions, is supporting the October focus through the Pope Video and other prayer resources. The International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers is also promoting the intention and works to encourage mental health ministry in Catholic communities.
The focus comes as mental health remains a major global concern. The World Health Organization said in September that nearly one in seven people worldwide were living with a mental disorder in 2023, representing about 1.2 billion people. Anxiety and depressive disorders were among the most common conditions.
WHO also said that most people with mental disorders do not have access to effective care. Stigma, discrimination and violations of the rights of people with mental health conditions remain serious concerns in many parts of the world.
The global shortage of resources is another challenge. WHO reported in 2025 that median government spending on mental health remained at about two percent of health budgets. The organisation said shortages of mental health workers were particularly severe in low and middle income countries.
Catholic mental health organisations have been working for several years to strengthen the Church's pastoral response. The International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers says mental health ministry is intended to provide spiritual accompaniment and pastoral care while recognising the importance of professional mental health treatment and cooperation with healthcare professionals.
The association has also been involved in international discussions on mental health and pastoral care. Catholic mental health ministers, Church representatives and people working directly with communities affected by mental illness have taken part in previous international meetings in Rome.
The October prayer intention therefore forms part of a wider effort within the Catholic Church to address mental health through pastoral care, education, accompaniment and greater awareness.
Pope Leo's message places particular emphasis on the human experience behind mental illness. His prayer asks Christians not to look away from people who are suffering but to recognise their dignity and offer support.
The Pope also asks the Church to learn how to integrate mental health care into the life and ministry of Catholic communities. His appeal presents mental health ministry not only as a response to illness but also as part of the Church's wider responsibility to accompany people, families and caregivers.
For the millions of people affected by mental health conditions around the world, the October intention is a call for greater understanding and inclusion. It also challenges Catholic communities to create spaces where people can speak about their struggles without fear of judgement or rejection.