Are There Any Young Italians Still Practicing Catholicism?
The practice of Catholicism among young Italians, specifically those aged 18-29, is an intriguing yet complex topic. According to sociological surveys, around 10% of this age group are actively practicing Catholics, though this figure has been showing a slight trend of decreasing over time.
Statistical Insights
A useful summary of a recent book by Italian sociologist Franco Garelli, based on a 2016 survey, sheds light on this phenomenon. The book, titled “Cattolici ma non troppo – L’Italia dei giovani non crede più,” presents a detailed analysis of the changing landscape of religious belief among young Italians.
Garelli's research indicates that the number of “active and engaged believers” has gradually decreased from 15% to 10% over the last two decades. Conversely, the number of agnostics and atheists has increased rapidly, rising from 23% to 28% in just five years. This shift reflects a general decline in religious commitment among younger generations.
Church Attendance Patterns
Despite this general trend, approximately 25% of individuals in this age group still attend church mass at least once per month. However, it is important to note that attendance varies significantly based on education level, economic status, and age. Higher educational attainment and higher socioeconomic status are associated with lower attendance rates.
For example, young individuals with higher levels of education and better economic prospects are less likely to regularly attend church. In contrast, those with lower education and economic status tend to have higher attendance rates, likely due to the importance of community and tradition in their lives.
Personal Observations and Examples
From a personal perspective, there are instances of younger individuals who still actively practice Catholicism. In my own parish, located in the Diocese of Concordia-Pordenone (north-eastern Italy), church attendance is notably high until junior high school. Approximately 50% of participants regularly attend, but this figure drops sharply thereafter, with only one in 15-20 churchgoers being a teenager.
Among the strongest groups are young children, mothers of young children, and grandmothers of young children, as well as some young fathers who are actively involved in church activities. While this suggests that young fathers and caretakers might be more committed, the broader trend does not support high church attendance among adolescents.
Moreover, the book highlights that even when young people express interest in religion, their beliefs can often be critical or impressionistic. Some parishes offer activities specifically designed for young people, but these initiatives seem to face challenges in increasing attendance. Interestingly, some cathedrals host successful programs for young people, indicating that there is potential for growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the majority of young Italians may not actively practice Catholicism, there are certainly some who do. The key question, however, is how to engage these individuals more effectively in a meaningful way to foster continued religious commitment.
Through targeted programs, community involvement, and understanding the evolving beliefs of young people, there may be renewed potential for religious engagement among younger generations.