# Rome Hosts Mental Health Roundtable

> Vatican hosts mental health roundtable inspired by Pope’s prayer intention.
- Title: Rome Hosts Mental Health Roundtable · Vaticannews | Shortify
- Summary: Vatican hosts mental health roundtable inspired by Pope’s prayer intention. Rome hosted a mental health roundtable on October 9, 2026, organized by the…
- Keywords: mental health, pope leo xiv, catholic mental health ministers, world mental health day, church, stigma, safe spaces, healing, spiritual health, psychological disorders, religion, world
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2026-10/mental-health-roundtable-in-rome-inspired-popes-prayer-intention.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-10-10T11:50:39.489+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mental health, pope leo xiv, catholic mental health ministers, world mental health day, church, stigma, safe spaces, healing, spiritual health, psychological disorders, religion, world
## Mental Health Roundtable in Rome
The Vatican hosted a mental health roundtable on October 9, 2026, organized by the Catholic Mental Health Ministers to address stigma and promote healing.
## Pope’s Prayer Intention
The event coincided with Pope Leo XIV’s October prayer intention for mental health ministry and World Mental Health Day on October 10.
## First Panel: Stigma and Safe Spaces
Archbishop Borys Gudziak highlighted that 80% of Ukrainians face stress due to conflict, while Father Duggan stressed the need to change language around mental health.
## Youth Mental Health Crisis
57% of young adults experience anxiety, and suicide accounts for one-third of deaths in this age group, according to Samuelle Falk.
## Childhood Trauma Impact
Father Chilton Fernandez noted that childhood trauma, poverty, and instability leave lasting effects on adult mental health.
## Scientific and Spiritual Synergy
Thomas Schulze proposed guidelines for Church mental health roles, while Wendell Callahan emphasized the importance of discernment in treatment approaches.
## Faith and Mental Health
Sister Grimaneza Guaya explained that depression does not always indicate a lack of faith, and integrated therapies can be more effective for religious individuals.
## Creative Mental Health Solutions
Victor Pereira-Sanchez advocated for social media and parish newsletters to address mental health challenges through creative, community-based approaches.
## Self-Care and Reciprocal Well-Being
Márcio Gagliat stressed that self-care is reciprocal, and mental health efforts must address collective suffering through government and economic investment.
## Next Steps for Mental Health
The conference will continue with a guided tour, Mass, and further events on October 10, including a visit to the Don Luigi Di Liegro Foundation.
## Key takeaway

Rome hosted a mental health roundtable on October 9, 2026, organized by the Catholic Mental Health Ministers to address stigma and promote healing through spiritual and scientific collaboration.