Pope Leo has stressed the importance of mental health ministry for the Catholic Church and wider society, as part of his October prayer intention. 

The Pope is dedicating prayers to the issue, that there may be an end to stigma and discrimination of those with mental illness. 

In a social media video, he said: “Melancholy, bad character, confusion of senses: today, we understand that behind these old labels lies a deep, silent suffering not only of those affected by mental disorders but also of their loved ones and their communities. 

“We live in a world full of tensions, and even as solutions grow so does the number of people in crisis. This October, let us pray for the mental health ministry: an urgent and ever more needed service in our Church and in the world,” the Pope added. 

In a longer video for the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, he shares a prayer bringing people with mental health struggles before God, asking for forgiveness for times when they have not been supported. He prays for those in mental health ministry and for care to be incorporated into the life of the church. 

The monthly prayer intentions invite network members to reflect on key issues facing the Church and wider world. Previous months have included prayer for evangelisation in cities, disarmament and peace, and care for water.