Survey: Brazilian Catholic Youth Seek Stronger Doctrine, Reverent Liturgy

Young Catholics in Brazil are expressing a desire for deeper faith formation, greater emphasis on holiness, and well-celebrated liturgy, while also voicing frustration with what they see as an excessive focus on sociopolitical issues in the Church, according to a national survey presented to the Brazilian Bishops' Conference (CNBB).

The 2025 survey, conducted by the CNBB's Episcopal Commission for Youth with academic partners, gathered responses from more than 11,000 Catholics aged 12 to 29 across Brazil. It used a voluntary online questionnaire rather than a representative random sample.

According to the partial results (document below), holiness and the Christian faith were the most frequently cited topics of interest among respondents.

Many also expressed a desire for stronger formation in Catholic teaching, greater emphasis on Scripture and the Eucharist, and well-celebrated liturgy.

Asked what makes participation in the Church more difficult, respondents most often pointed to a lack of care in the liturgy and an excessive emphasis on sociopolitical issues.

The researchers said the findings should not be interpreted as evidence of a conservative-versus-progressive divide, but rather as reflecting young Catholics' desire for a deeper and more authentic spiritual life.

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