Trending : How to Become Catholic Surges Globally After Pope Francis' Death | Gita Blog Sport
Gitablogsport.com - In addition to the deep sorrow felt by Catholics around the world, the passing of Pope Francis on Tuesday, April 21, 2025, has sparked a notable rise in global interest in the Catholic faith..jpeg)
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This trend is evident from the surge in online searches for the phrase “how to become Catholic.”
Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88, was last seen in public during the Easter Sunday Mass on April 20, 2025. He was laid to rest on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome.
Throughout his life, the Pope was widely admired for his humility and compassion toward the marginalized.
Unprecedented Surge in Online Searches
According to Zenit News (May 13, 2025), Google recorded a staggering 373% increase in searches for “how to become Catholic” during the week of Pope Francis' passing from Sunday (April 20) to Saturday (April 26).
Magdalena Petrusic, a travel analyst at Vatican Tickets & Tours, reported that the search data revealed an unusual pattern.
“We typically see spikes in religious tourism when a major religious figure passes away. But this time, people weren’t planning pilgrimages they were seeking conversion,” said Petrusic.
She interpreted this as a spiritual response to the unexpected death of a beloved figure known for his humility, call for ecological justice, and emphasis on mercy over judgment.
His leadership was marked by simple yet powerful gestures, such as paying his own hotel bills and washing the feet of refugees.
Youth Reconnecting with Faith
Zenit News also cited The Quiet Revival, a report published by the Bible Society, which showed a growing interest in Christianity among younger generations (ages 18–34).
In 2018, only 23% of this demographic expressed interest in Catholic practices. By 2024, that number had risen to 41%.
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Dr. Alina Meredith, a religious sociologist from Oxford University, commented that this reflects a shift in spiritual attitudes among young people.
“People used to assume that the younger generation would abandon faith. That’s only half true. They’re not rejecting belief they’re rejecting hollow rituals. Now they’re seeking meaningful expressions of faith,” Meredith explained.
CatholicVote also reported that several dioceses in the United States and France recorded record-breaking numbers of new Catholics joining the Church during the Easter Vigil Mass.
This phenomenon indicates that the interest in Catholicism isn’t limited to online curiosity it is manifesting in real-life communities and religious ceremonies.