Youth’s Renewed Interest in Faith in Southern Europe

Sara Cabral, now deeply engaged with Catholicism, experienced a familiar upbringing that resonated with many Southern European youth—’Catholic but not practicing’—while living in Spain’s Canary Islands. Her perspective changed upon listening to a song from a youth faith group, which felt like a direct message from God. She joined the group and is eager to attend Pope Leo XIV’s Mass in Gran Canaria with friends.

Cabral describes a longing to fill an unknown void. She believes God initiates the search for you, but meeting him requires proactive steps. Pope Leo’s upcoming visits to Spain and France will uncover thousands like her in regions abundant in historic churches but scarce in Mass attendance.

Some church leaders view youth movements and increased adult baptisms as indicators of young people’s renewed interest, pushing the church to promote a more inclusive message. Rev. Josetxo Vera, of Spain’s Catholic Bishops Conference, sees an opportunity in youths’ unexpected curiosity about religion. Vera recounts instances of teenagers startling atheist parents by requesting baptism, influenced by Christian messages prevalent in popular media.

“They are drawing near with a look of surprise,” Vera noted.

Spain’s transition to democracy post-Franco era saw a separation between popular and religious culture. Mónica Cornejo Valle, a religion professor at Complutense University, explains Spain’s significant role in global Catholicism despite declining active parishioners and priestly ordinations.

The 2024 Pew survey highlights how only 47% of adults identify as Catholic despite an upbringing in the faith, with merely 2% converting from non-Catholic backgrounds. Regular Mass attendance sits at only 16%, a stark contrast to its obligatory nature.

Catholic youth movements are drawing interest through belonging and solidarity. Cabral and over 35,000 young people are involved in Hakuna, established in Madrid to foster community through Eucharistic adoration, lectures, and social meetups. Officially recognized by the church in 2017, Hakuna now encompasses volunteer initiatives and launches Christian music albums.

Spain reported over 13,300 baptisms for individuals older than seven years, signifying intergenerational change. In France, where public religious presence faces strict regulation, a notable shift shows 13,000 adults baptized at Easter Vigil—tripling over a decade—according to the Conference of Catholic Bishops.

During an audience in the Vatican, Pope Leo encouraged newly baptized individuals from France to share their faith journey, emphasizing social justice over strict doctrines. Cornejo Valle indicates the Catholic youth profile reflects increased commitment despite stagnant growth in numbers.

A quest for meaning guides young people towards the church pews. María Salazar, who leads the Effetá youth movement in Barcelona, finds peers seeking peace amidst rapid societal pace. The Sagrada Familia parish hosts growing numbers of youth engaging in adoration and retreats, contributing to its role as a spiritual and historical site.

Her excitement builds for Pope Leo’s upcoming visit, marking a spiritual milestone as he celebrates Mass and inaugurates the new tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Familia.