The following is the text of the Video Message “Pray with the Pope”, with the prayer intention for the month of October, disseminated via the Pray with the Pope initiative of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, on the theme For mental health ministry. Let us pray that the mental health ministry be established throughout the Church, helping to overcome the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.

Video Message

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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.

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.

You call them by name, with tenderness,

and in You they find dignity and hope.

Forgive us for the times we have looked the other way,

feeding the stigma and discrimination of persons with mental illnesses.

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.

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.

Give them strength and compassion to sustain others.

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.

Amen.