In November, I participated in the Ministry of Hope Conference in Rome, a landmark international Catholic gathering focused on pastoral care and mental well-being. The event, organized by the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers under the patronage of the Pontifical Academy for Life, brought together clergy, lay leaders, and professionals from across the globe to strengthen the Church’s mission of hope and healing.
This conference affirmed my commitment to integrating pastoral formation with mental health awareness. The Ministry of Hope Conference unfolded in two parts: a public opening on November 5th, including Mass and a pastoral roundtable, followed by two days of invitation-only sessions dedicated to peer exchange, formation, and shared reflection. Participants addressed pressing challenges such as isolation, suicide, and the need to uphold human dignity in pastoral care.
Pope Leo XIV offered a statement emphasizing that the Church must speak tenderly and courageously about mental health, reminding participants that “your voices, your ideas, your faith matter right now.” His words resonated deeply with the conference’s theme of hope, affirming the role of both clergy and laity in accompanying those who suffer.
The Pope’s prayer intention for November 2025 was especially poignant: for the prevention of suicide. He invited the faithful worldwide to pray that those struggling with despair might find support, care, and love in their communities, and rediscover the beauty of life. This intention was woven into the conference’s liturgies and discussions, underscoring the urgency of compassionate pastoral responses.
The International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers played a central role, fostering collaboration among dioceses and parishes to overcome stigma and provide spiritual accompaniment for those facing mental illness. This conference was both a professional and spiritual milestone, affirming my mission to empower seminarians, clergy, and laity with practical skills for holistic pastoral care and to accompany our brothers and sisters back to the table.