Brazil Catholic Youth Seek Deeper Faith Formation, Less Politics

A national survey conducted in 2025 with more than 11,000 Brazilian Catholics aged 12 to 29 revealed a strong desire for deeper doctrinal instruction, a reverent celebration of the liturgy, and a reduced emphasis on sociopolitical topics. Participants highlighted holiness and Christian faith as the most important subjects, while noting that a lack of reverence for the liturgy and an over‑focus on political issues discourage their involvement in church life.

The study was coordinated by Patricia Espíndola de Lima Teixeira of the Youth Observatory at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, together with the Episcopal Commission for Youth of the Brazilian National Conference of Bishops (CNBB) and several academic partners. Results were presented to the Permanent Council of the CNBB, with researchers stressing that the findings reflect a pastoral tension rather than a clear conservative‑progressive divide, and calling for a balanced approach to unity within the Church.