Pope Leo dedicates October prayer intention to mental health ministry

Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention for October uplifts those suffering with mental illness, praying for the healing light of the Lord to shine on them and those who care for them.

The intention, “For mental health ministry,” is featured in October’s installment of the monthly “Pray with the Pope” video series produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network.

“God of life, You know the innermost depths of our hearts—the light and shadows within us, the silent wounds that sometimes no one sees,” the Holy Father prayed. “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.”

The Pontiff’s prayer asked forgiveness for times the faithful have “looked the other way,” contributing to the stigma and discrimination often experienced by people with mental illness.

“May your Church be an open house, a safe space where everyone has a place—a community that accompanies and never excludes, that listens without judging and draws near without fear,” Pope Leo prayed.

The Holy Father also turned his attention to those who provide care and support.

“We pray to you, Lord, for those who care: professionals, family members, volunteers—men and women who, with patience and love, build bridges of understanding and comfort,” he wrote. “Give them strength and compassion to sustain others.”

Pope Leo concluded by asking that mental health care become part of the life and ministry of Catholic communities and the wider Church.

“Send your Spirit upon us, that we may learn to welcome and integrate care for mental health into the life and ministry of our communities and of the whole Church, and thus become a living sign of your mercy, which never abandons and always restores,” he prayed.

The intention accompanies Pope Leo’s separate call, as Zeale News previously reported, for Catholics to devote October to praying the Rosary for peace and to unite their prayers with acts of mercy, penance, and reconciliation.