Carolina Bellocq
Mental health awareness is a top priority for Pope Leo XIV. During his trip to Spain, he said this to young Catholics:
POPE LEO XIV
It is important to recognize how mental health is increasingly threatened in the context of societies that consider themselves advanced. It is a sign that something is deeply wrong with a certain idea of growth that subjects people to pressures and tensions that compromise fundamental balances.
In October, mental health ministry is the main focus of prayer.
And the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development has published a message on Mental Health Day. In it, the prefect addresses those who suffer from mental health issues:
To all who are suffering, the Church says: You are not alone, and God has not abandoned you.
Rev. Sister Alessandra Smerilli, F.M.A.
Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development
The Vatican calls on the Church as a whole to work toward developing a stable, competent, compassionate, and preventive ministry.
For this reason, it calls on all people of good will to stand in solidarity with those facing mental health challenges and to collaborate with the Church in raising awareness.
Those who suffer from mental health issues are not merely recipients of care, but rather key players in the journey we must undertake, and their voices must help shape our responses. Caring for them is not a marginal concern.
Rev. Sr. Alessandra Smerilli, F.M.A.
Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development
There are two situations that are of particular concern to the Church. Those who are experiencing humanitarian crises that leave them traumatized and young people who are facing new forms of emotional vulnerability.
The Dicastery published a handbook containing reflections and guidelines. It is available in five languages and can be accessed free of charge on the Dicastery’s website.
The goal is to enable pastoral workers to receive training so they can better accompany people in these situations.
