Revival of Youth Interest in Catholicism Amid Secular Europe

Sara Cabral, who once experienced a ‘Catholic but never practicing’ childhood, discovered renewed faith while living in Spain’s Canary Islands. A song from a faith youth group felt like a divine message, prompting her to join and participate in weekly music sessions. She now eagerly anticipates attending Pope Leo XIV’s Mass in Gran Canaria. ‘You feel an emptiness that only God can fill,’ says Cabral. ‘God seeks you first, but you need to meet him.’

Youth Movements Inspire New Interest

Pope Leo XIV will encounter many young people like Cabral during his upcoming trips to Spain and France, countries with deep Catholic roots but increasingly secular populations. Despite abundant churches, Mass attendance remains low. Church leaders note that youth movements and a rise in adult baptisms indicate a renewed interest among young people, encouraging the church to adopt a more inclusive message.

“They are drawing near with a look of surprise,” said the Rev. Josetxo Vera, spokesperson for Spain’s Catholic Bishops Conference. “It’s an excellent opportunity that comes from above, not from the church.”

The decline in traditional faith practices may create a fresh slate for new approaches. Many teens, influenced by Christian messages in popular culture like Catalan pop star Rosalía’s spiritually themed album, request baptisms, alarming some atheist parents. They explore faith in a vastly different cultural landscape than previous generations.

Historical Context and Changing Attitudes

Spain’s transition from dictatorship under Gen. Francisco Franco to democracy resulted in a disconnect between popular piety and church culture. Despite the continuity of religious processions and festivities, only 47% of Spaniards raised Catholic maintain their faith, with a mere 16% attending weekly Mass, according to a 2024 Pew Research survey.

José María Marrero, a friend of Cabral in Gran Canaria, recalls only older people attending Mass during his childhood. His wife, baptized in her 20s, observed students’ unfamiliarity with religious imagery. Some scholars caution against viewing religiosity revival as purely a media-driven phenomenon, while youth movements foresee promise in this blank slate.

Hakuna’s Rise and Community Connection

Hakuna, a Spanish youth movement begun in Madrid, now involves about 35,000 members, offering activities like Eucharistic adoration and social gatherings. The movement’s growth into an official lay organization in 2017 includes volunteer work and Christian music productions. It reflects a shift in religious engagement among young people disconnected from regular practices.

France sees a parallel trend, with 13,000 adults baptized during this year’s Easter Vigil, a threefold increase over a decade, per the French Conference of Catholic Bishops. During a Vatican event, Pope Leo encouraged baptism candidates to let faith guide their lives, celebrating young people’s pursuit of meaning and peace.

Appeal of Community and Social Justice

Experts attribute part of the appeal for young people to dissatisfaction with traditional institutions and social isolation, coupled with a church emphasis on social justice over strict doctrine. Pope Francis’s focus on inclusivity resonates with progressive youth.

During his upcoming visits to Spain, Leo will engage youth in Madrid and visit social outreach programs in the Canary Islands and near Barcelona, addressing migrants and prisoners. These initiatives align with youth interests in belonging and solidarity.

Although overall Catholic youth numbers may not have increased significantly, their commitment appears stronger than before, according to scholar Cornejo Valle.

Search for Meaning and Peace

María Salazar leads a Barcelona branch of the global Effetá movement. She says many peers seek peace through spirituality, desiring more than faith alone.

“We live in a microwave society — everything must be immediate — but the Lord doesn’t work this way,” Salazar comments.

Her parish, the Sagrada Familia, welcomes around 120 active young participants in retreats and adoration, eager to contribute through volunteering. The urban landmark also prepares for Pope Leo’s visit, where he will lead Mass and inaugurate a new church tower.

‘We’re having him here at home,’ says Salazar warmly. ‘I see the tower as a gift from God.’