Catholic bishops in the Philippines have appealed for greater compassion toward families who have lost loved ones to suicide, acknowledging that some may have felt judged or excluded by the Church during their time of grief.

In a pastoral letter approved during the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ 132nd plenary assembly held in the Archdiocese of Ozamiz from July 8 to 10, the bishops asked forgiveness from those who felt unwelcome and encouraged parishes to respond with understanding rather than condemnation.

The bishops emphasized that mental illness should not be viewed as a sign of weak faith or divine punishment, stressing that conditions such as depression, anxiety and addiction require proper care and compassionate support.

They also reaffirmed the sanctity of life while citing Church teaching that severe psychological suffering can reduce personal responsibility in cases of suicide.

The letter urged priests, pastoral workers, schools and families to foster welcoming communities, promote mental health awareness, and encourage those in need to seek professional medical and psychological care without fear of stigma.

During the assembly, CBCP President Archbishop Gilbert Garcera said the country’s growing mental health crisis and rising suicide cases call for renewed pastoral efforts, urging the Church to become a source of healing, accompaniment and hope.