VATICAN — Pope Leo has released the “Pray with the Pope” video accompanying his prayer intention for the month of October 2026: “For mental health ministry.”
In the video, produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, the Pope prays that the Church may be an “open house” where people facing challenges to their mental health find welcome, dignity and hope.
Holding an image of Saint Dymphna, patroness of people suffering from mental disorders and of mental health professionals, he addresses the “God of life”, who knows the innermost depths of our hearts and “the silent wounds that sometimes no one sees.”
“Today we bring before you our brothers and sisters who struggle with challenges to their mental health, who suffer in solitude with anxiety, depression, or any other mental illness,” he prays.
Pope Leo asks forgiveness for the times when Christians have looked the other way, contributing to stigma and discrimination against people with mental illnesses.
He prays that the Church may become “a safe space where everyone has a place – a community that accompanies and never excludes, that listens without judging and draws near without fear.”
The Pope also remembers those who provide care, including professionals, family members and volunteers, asking God to give them strength and compassion.
Source: cbcp news
