What I Lost When I Gave Up My Catholicism
Catholicism is hot right now. The new American pope is popular for speaking his mind on political subjects such as AI and the death penalty. On Instagram and TikTok, Catholic influencers rank local Masses and their favorite Christmas hymns, and priests go viral for DJ’ing raves, while others protest ICE raids. The Catholic Church is at the center of the new Knives Out film, which premiered at No. 1 on Netflix this month. And more and more young people are going to Mass.
TL;DR
- Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, are showing increased engagement with Catholicism, attending Mass and parish functions more frequently than other age groups.
- Conversions to Catholicism are rising, with some dioceses reporting significant annual increases.
- Social media and online ministries are playing a key role in evangelizing to young people and attracting new converts.
- Young Catholics cite values like order, community, ritual, beauty, and transcendence as reasons for their devotion, seeing the Church as an answer to modern isolation and digital culture.
- The Catholic Church in America has seen a long decline in numbers since the 1960s, with more Catholics leaving the faith than converting to it.
- Past sexual abuse scandals and cover-ups continue to deeply affect many Catholics, creating a sense of betrayal and distrust.
- Pope Francis has issued apologies and the Church has made financial settlements and property sales to compensate victims, but many feel true penance has not occurred.
- New Catholic influencers, often young men, are finding discipline, brotherhood, and a sense of purpose through the Church, seeing it as an alternative to 'false prophets' of the 'Manosphere'.
- Pope Leo XIV is attempting to broaden the 'pro-life' stance and speak out against political cruelty, potentially drawing back lapsed Catholics.
- Despite ongoing revelations of misconduct and persistent apologies, the essence of the Church is seen by some as the people seeking solace and community, rather than its institutions or leaders.