(ZENIT News / Rome, 02.29.2024).- On 29 February 2024, the results of an international survey on youth, values and religion were presented, promoted by the Footprints Research Group. Young People: Expectations, Ideals, Beliefs of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, together with seven other universities around the world, with the support of the Spanish agency GAD3.
In order to measure the state of religiosity and faith among young people, the survey took place in November and December 2023 in eight countries: Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, the Philippines, Spain and the United Kingdom. The sample consisted of 4,889 young people between the ages of 18 and 29. Among the most relevant findings is the increase for spirituality among young people worldwide.
Other relevant data of the report:
- On faith and the spiritual life of young people:
- This increase in spirituality is strongly registered in countries such as Kenya, the Philippines and Brazil, where between 82% and 92% of young people identify themselves as ‘believers’.
- Looking at nations in the midst of secularisation, such as Spain and Italy, a deep conviction of faith emerges among respondents. Sixty per cent of young Spanish and Italian Catholics consider attending Mass as fundamental as receiving the Eucharist.
- There are countries that are in an «intermediate» position in terms of the manifestation of faith by young people: Mexico (71%) and Argentina (51%).
- There is a large percentage of women believers in countries like Kenya (93%), the Philippines (83%) and Brazil (81%), and in general the number of Catholic women is also higher globally (52%).
- Regarding the view on the Church, most young believers consider it an institution that contributes to the good of society (76%).
- On social problems:
- An important segment of the sample denounces political corruption (94% among believers, 85% non-believers) and problems related to ecology (93% among believers, 85% non-believers).
- The death penalty and the justification of war meet with equal opposition among Catholics and members of other religions and atheists.
- There is also great convergence in opposing the legalisation of prostitution (70%).
- On Young atheists
- Among those in the sample who identify themselves as ‘atheists’, however, an interest in life after death and a proper understanding of suffering emerges; the percentages are highest for Kenya and the Philippines.
- Also in these two countries, despite the fact that 70% of young people profess to be non-believers, they declare that they consider prayer to be an important aspect of their lives.
Footprints. Young People: Expectations, Ideals, Beliefs is an international and interdisciplinary research group of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, initiated in 2022, aimed at continuously listening to young people to better understand their values, expectations, and hopes through surveys and focus groups. The first phase of listening was dedicated to religion, faith, and values. Subsequent surveys on work and relationships are planned.
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