Spring to summer has been an eventful time for the Church. One thing has become apparent in the passing of seasons: Religion generally and Catholicism specifically is having a moment. The world’s buzzing about Catholicism, and not just because of the passing of Pope Francis or the historic naming of an American, Pope Leo XIV, to lead the Church.
The faith was popping up in places you’d least expect - from gambling sites betting on the next pope to a CNN podcast that cheekily asked, “Catholicism is so hot right now. Why?” Even the New York Times could barely believe its own headline when it mused just prior to Pope Francis’ death, “Americans haven’t found a satisfying alternative to religion. Is it any wonder the country is revisiting faith?”
Why the sudden fascination? Sociologists often point to the “three Bs” of religion: Belief, belonging and behavior as to what attracts people to a faith life. In a world where “you do you” is the message, the structure of any faith can feel pretty comfortable to some folks, especially younger people who, for better or worse, have had a very virtual and very boundless upbringing.
Modern life can feel like a choose-your-own-adventure book with no right or wrong answers and no ending. Your choices. Your truth. It’s freeing, sure, but it’s also exhausting and oddly stressful. While many have been quick to criticize Catholicism, especially in recent decades, for clear rules, ancient rituals and an appreciation of the transcendent, many are discovering its clarity and community can feel like a strong anchor in an unmoored world. We all need guardrails when everything around us feels like it’s spinning.
The recent buzz around Catholicism may grow even louder as Americans welcome “one of their own” as their new shepherd. It feels like a chance for something good to bloom. Maybe it’ll be a chance to explain the beauty our faith to unbelievers. Maybe it will help us nudge those around us toward more “believing.”
At a minimum, I hope the joy and excitement we Catholics are feeling right now results in more openness, more kindness and more connection. I don’t know the odds on that outcome. Nobody’s running a betting pool on hope, but I’m rooting for it. In a world that’s loud and chaotic and quick to look for the next trend, a little structure, a little transcendence and a little hope might be what we need.