In a digital world shaped by constant noise and shrinking religious spaces, an unexpected trend is emerging: Generation Z is finding its way back to faith. From New York to Manila, young adults born between 1997 and 2012 are rediscovering Catholicism not as an inherited obligation, but as a chosen path toward meaning, community, and truth.
Recent reports show a notable rise in young adult conversions in U.S. urban centers. Parishes in New York City have seen enrollment in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) triple, while the Diocese of Brooklyn welcomed hundreds of new adult Catholics in 2024. These shifts echo broader motivations—discontent with polarized public discourse, detachment from shallow digital culture, and a renewed search for moral values. In 2023, a World Vision Philippines study similarly found that 74% of Filipino teens believe faith can drive social change, and 65% say faith communities strongly influence their personal values.¹
Online, the resurgence takes on distinctly Gen Z forms. During the 2025 papal conclave, TikTok brimmed with memes, short reflections, and humorous commentary that made a historically private process suddenly accessible and relatable to millions of young viewers. Scholars note this as a new mode of digital evangelization—one that welcomes curiosity rather than discouraging it. Ateneo de Davao Formation Director and Kape’t Pandasal host Fr. Jboy Gonzales observes that Gen Z’s humor “opens the door to deeper questions,” echoing Pope Francis’ reminder that “there is faith in humor.”²
Social platforms have also become “mission fields” for clergy like fellow Kape’t Pandasal host Fr. Fiel Pareja of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, who turned to TikTok during the pandemic to reach isolated parishioners. His short prayers, reflections, and mental health reminders served as daily spiritual anchors for young viewers seeking guidance amidst uncertain times.³
These shifts align with findings from sociologist Dr. Jayeel Cornelio, who describes today’s young believers as “creative Catholics”—faithful yet discerning, rooted yet socially engaged. They value authenticity, justice, and conscience, refusing rigid adherence while still choosing to remain within the Church’s embrace.⁴
This revival resonates deeply with Jesuit Communications’ media evangelization mission. Through the JesCom Fair’s youth-friendly spaces, Kape’t Pandasal’s pioneering short-form reflections, and Jesuit Music Ministry’s formation of new liturgical composers, JesCom meets Gen Z where they are—online, creative, and searching.
In his June 2025 presentation to the Jesuit Curia in Rome, JesCom Executive Director Fr. Nono Alfonso SJ recounted how the anticipation of a massive digital shift, greatly helped position the organization as a respected cultural and religious voice in media.
With the foresight of a younger generation, as described by Fr. Nono, continuing to “follow their lead” and drawing on their fresh insights bodes well for JesCom’s remarkable “witness of hope” to persevere through changing times.
As Gen Z reclaims its faith, the Church is discovering new paths to accompany them—paths shaped by digital conversation, social concern, and a hunger for truth. For JesCom, this moment is an invitation to continue forming young hearts through thoughtful media, honest storytelling, and compassionate presence. It is, in every sense, a homecoming that simply “hits different.”
Sources
- World Vision Philippines. “Study shows Filipino teens believe faith can drive change and social justice.”
- The Straits Times. “Keeping Up with the Conclave: TikTok brings Gen Z closer to the Catholic Church.”
- Inquirer POP. “Fr. Fiel Pareja found a new way to inspire others through TikTok.”
- UCA News. “Young Filipinos keep the faith but shun conventional piety.”
- Catholic News Agency. “New York sees rising Catholic conversions amid broader national trends.”
- NCR Online. “How Gen Z is meme-ifying the conclave.”
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