European bishops prepare for the release of a document on mental health

European bishops, meeting within the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (ComECE), have finalised a document on mental health in the European Union in Brussels, which will be officially published on 14 April. Experts from various fields across all member states collaborated on its development for over a year.

The document, led by the Ethics Commission chaired by Dr. Anton Jamnik, offers recommendations for European policymakers and proposals for concrete measures. It addresses key challenges such as loneliness, digitalisation, migration, the status of women, palliative care, and the impact of the ecological crisis on mental health.

The bishops emphasise that Catholic teaching on mental health does not regard it merely as a clinical issue, but as an expression of human vulnerability that calls for compassion, solidarity, and holistic care. By integrating biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions, the Church offers an ethical and person-centred framework that can complement public policy and professional practice. The purpose of this reflection is to provide policymakers, professionals, and service users with insights that support mental well-being while upholding human dignity throughout Europe.

The document will be presented at the ComECE plenary session in Cyprus at the end of April.