GPH Day 3: Asian Church Leaders Stress Urgent Need to Address Priests’ Mental Health

 The mental health of priests and bishops emerged as a critical topic during a press conference at the ongoing Great Pilgrimage of Hope in Penang, as Church leaders discussed the challenges clergy face in maintaining their emotional and psychological well-being.

The press conference, coordinated by Daniel Roy, head of the Social Communications Office of the Penang Diocese, on November 29 at the Light Hotel Penang, featured insights from Cardinal Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, Archbishop of Tokyo, and Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, the host diocese. Both shared their experiences and initiatives aimed at supporting priests across Asia.

Fr. Felmar File, SVD, General Manager of Radio Veritas Asia, posed a question that resonated widely: “Around the world, there is a concern about the mental health of priests and even bishops. What initiatives have Asian bishops taken to address it?”

Diocesan Priests Face Isolation and Growing Pressures

Cardinal Kikuchi highlighted the particular vulnerability of diocesan priests, many of whom experience isolation and lack regular support. “Many priests have no one to talk to,” he said. “If they share their struggles, other priests might see them as weak or a failure. They are afraid to reveal what they are facing.” He noted that while priests in religious congregations have at least some sense of community, even if conflicts arise, diocesan priests often do not enjoy that support, leaving them more susceptible to stress and burnout.

The cardinal also emphasized the added pressures of public scrutiny and criticism. Priests are often judged harshly by laypeople and outsiders, especially in sensitive cases such as allegations of harassment. “They face this kind of criticism with no way to protect themselves,” Cardinal Kikuchi said. “This can break down their mental resilience.”

Seminary Training and Institutional Support

To address these challenges, Cardinal Kikuchi explained that initiatives are being considered to integrate mental health and interpersonal skills training into seminary formation. Courses would not only teach theological knowledge but also practical skills such as communication, listening, and self-defense, equipping future priests to navigate both spiritual and social challenges. Language barriers, particularly in East Asian countries like Japan, Korea, and Taiwan, present additional obstacles, as many priests do not speak English, the primary language in which available mental health courses are often offered.

Cardinal Sebastian Francis echoed the importance of institutional support and highlighted existing frameworks in Asia. “There are several institutions, particularly in the Philippines and India, established to help clergy with mental health issues,” he said. These programs provide professional care and structured support for priests struggling with stress, anxiety, and depression.

He also drew attention to the mental health needs of bishops themselves. “Cardinal Tagle highlighted yesterday that bishops, too, can experience depression and burnout. The Vatican is exploring ways to provide safe spaces for bishops who need such help,” Cardinal Francis said.

Beyond formal institutions, Cardinal Francis emphasized the significance of grassroots relationships between priests and their superiors. “A healthy relationship with one’s superior is essential. It forms the foundation for pastoral care and overall well-being,” he said, reassuring that professional support is available for clergy at all levels and that the Church is committed to providing the best possible care.

Multi-Faceted Approach

Both cardinals acknowledged that addressing clergy mental health remains a sensitive and complex issue. Cardinal Kikuchi stressed the need to overcome cultural and institutional stigmas, while Cardinal Francis emphasized the importance of accessible support systems and strong, trusting relationships within the Church.

The discussion at the Great Pilgrimage of Hope underscores a growing awareness in the Asian Church of the pressures facing priests and bishops. With rising demands on clergy, increasing scrutiny from both inside and outside the Church, and the challenges of isolation, Church leaders are calling for a multi-faceted approach that combines seminary formation, professional mental health care, and strong community support.

As the Pilgrimage continues in Penang, the mental well-being of clergy is set to remain a central concern for Church leadership, reflecting a broader commitment to care for those who dedicate their lives to serving others.