At a press conference following the conference “A Healing Presence: The Church’s Call to Mental Health Ministry,” bishops from various countries affected by war, violence, and poverty emphasized the critical need for mental health support. The gathering, organized by the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers (CMHM) along with the Don Luigi Di Liegro International Foundation and the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, took place at the Vatican from October 9 to 10, coinciding with Pope Leo XIV’s October prayer intention focused on mental health.
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Andrea Sarubbi, CMHM’s Director for Outreach, noted the common practice of fulfilling visible needs in parishes, such as providing food or blankets. He underscored that mental health issues often remain hidden due to stigma, which makes the Pope’s prayer intention particularly significant.
Archbishop Borys Gudziak of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia highlighted the extensive psychological toll of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, reporting that 90% of the population has experienced trauma, and 26% have lost a close family member to violence. He pointed out the Church’s efforts to train priests in mental health support and foster community resilience.
Auxiliary Bishop Jean-Charles Wismick from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, discussed the training of educators to provide support in a violent environment, stressing the need for individuals to feel acknowledged and listened to. Bishop Tesfasellassie Medhin of Adigrat, Ethiopia, emphasized in a video message the importance of mental health ministry in providing compassionate care to those affected by trauma and despair.
In India, Father Santosh Dias described efforts to promote mental health initiatives despite challenges related to stigma and discrimination. He shared that the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has organized conferences and developed guidelines to raise awareness and initiate local programs.
Permanent Deacon Ed Shoener, president of CMHM, noted the growing interest in mental health ministry globally, with over 9,000 members across 70 countries. Bishop John Dolan of Phoenix linked this ministry to the Christian call to care for all aspects of human well-being, including mental health.
Two new video courses were introduced at the press conference to assist those working in mental health ministry. The courses, Basic Mental Health Literacy and Psychological First Aid, aim to equip individuals with essential knowledge and skills to support those in need effectively.