Mary Permoda, the director of the Office of Mental Health Ministry for the Diocese of Phoenix, steps in for Bishop John Dolan this month to share a personal video reflection on Pope Leo XIV’s October 2026 prayer intention: “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.”
In collaboration with the Diocese of Phoenix, this month’s Pope Video honors an intention that is dear to Bishop Dolan’s heart. As a survivor of suicide loss — having lost two sisters, a brother, a brother-in-law and a nephew — he established the diocesan Office of Mental Health Ministry to walk alongside those who are struggling, helping every person see they are not alone and the Church is here for them.
The Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network promotes the Holy Father’s monthly prayer intention through The Pope Video, which since 2016 has had more than 250 million views across all the Vatican’s social networks, and is translated into more than 23 languages, receiving press coverage in 114 countries.
The Pope Video, October 2026:
Personal Reflection, October 2026:
The Pope Video, October 2026 – Spanish:
