The Catholic Church expresses concern for the mental health of priests

Following the case of Father Matteo Balzano in Italy, the Catholic Church expressed concern for the mental health of priests. and maintained that talking about it is not a taboo, but a pastoral necessity, so he urged them to take care of their intellectual formation and look after their spiritual, emotional and psychological well-being.

Through its editorial "From Faith," the Church expressed that "priests are also human. They also get tired. They also get anxious. They can also get depressed. And yes, they can also lose hope."

"Who cares for those who care? Who accompanies those who dedicate their lives to comforting, listening to, and supporting others?

It's not an easy topic to address. But it matters a lot. The mental health of priests remains a largely unexplored area, often shrouded in silence, self-imposed demands, and loneliness," he said.

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In addition, he recalled one of the first messages of Pope Leo XIV to the clergy, where he stressed the importance of the spiritual life of the priest: "So often, when you need help: find a good companion, a spiritual director, a good confessor. No one here is alone. And even if you're working on the most distant mission, you're never alone!"

He also emphasized that the community is also called to look upon its priests with tenderness , "not to treat them as officials or supermen. To simply ask them how they are. To offer them conversation, a sincere friendship. Because a priest without real connections and healthy affection runs the risk of drowning in isolation."

He added that, within the clergy, it is important to strengthen a culture of brotherhood and mutual support, where priests are encouraged to talk to each other, to not hide their fatigue, and to seek help without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

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"Taking care of your physical health, sleeping well, exercising, taking breaks, seeing a doctor—all of that is also part of spirituality. It is also part of the ministry and expresses fidelity to the vocation received," he indicated.

He also emphasized that each diocese, including the Archdiocese of Mexico, has personnel, agencies, and structures dedicated to the care of priests; however, these cannot replace each priest's personal responsibility for self-care.

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