Archbishop Borys Gudziak Participates in Mental Health Discussions in Rome and at the Vatican

Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia, participated in events focused on mental health and pastoral care held in Rome and at the Vatican.

On October 9-10, Archbishop Gudziak attended the international conference "A Healing Presence: The Church's Call to Mental Health Ministry," organized by the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers. The conference coincided with World Mental Health Day on October 10 and Pope Leo XIV's prayer intention for October, dedicated to mental health ministry.

The gathering brought together clergy, mental health professionals and researchers to discuss the Church's role in supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties.

On October 9, Archbishop Gudziak participated in a panel discussion "Stigma, Welcome, and Safe Spaces," alongside clergy and mental health professionals. He addressed loneliness and social isolation in American society as well as the psychological impact of the ongoing war on Ukrainians in the country and internationally. He emphasized the importance of community, personal relationships and pastoral support in responding to these challenges.

The Archbishop observed that the stigma around mental health in Ukraine is lessening because mental health distress is so prevalent. Yet many people still struggle to understand how to address it. He highlighted the importance of helping individuals recognize that they are loved by God and that they have God-given dignity.

During his stay in Rome, Metropolitan Gudziak, together with Bishop François Beyrouti of the Melkite Greek Catholic Eparchy of Newton, visited the Cathedral of Saint Sophia and the Museum of Blessed Patriarch Josyf Slipyj.

He joined His Beatitude Sviatoslav and Bishop Vitaliy Skomarovskyi, Roman Catholic bishop of Lutsk in prayer for the superiors and students of the Pontifical College of Saint Josaphat at the beginning of the academic year. The bishops prayed that the students could return to Ukraine to help heal and rebuild the country.

On October 13, the Metropolitan participated in a study day titled "Mental Health and Pastoral Accompaniment in Humanitarian Contexts," held at the Vatican Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. During the event, a new document addressing mental health and pastoral care in humanitarian crises was presented.

The discussions focused on the challenges faced by individuals and communities affected by war, displacement, loss and uncertainty, as well as the Church's role in providing pastoral accompaniment and support.

Metropolitan Gudziak also met with Brian Burch, U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See. They discussed the suffering caused by ongoing crises. Reflecting on the meeting, the Metropolitan encouraged everyone to pray, advocate and offer assistance in whatever ways they can.

At the Dicastery for Eastern Churches, the Metropolitan reported on developments in the Philadelphia Archeparchy presenting the Archeparchy’s annual report. He also met with the former Nuncio to the United States, Cardinal Christophe Piere, and with the prefect of the Dicastery for Communications, Paolo Ruffini. Metropolitan Borys serves as a member of both of these dicasteries.