Three knocks, a leap of faith: Why young French people are turning to Catholicism
MAUREPAS, Sept 24 — Feeling a little nervous, 21-year-old Thao Bounlay raps three times on the glass door of...
On September 24, 21-year-old Thao Bounlay knocked three times on the glass door of a Paris church, announcing his intention to be baptized. As 600 Mass-goers awaited in hushed silence, Bounlay, accompanied by his sponsor, walked down the aisle and declared his faith. The trend of young French people committing to a two-year path to Catholic baptism is growing, despite a decline in religious influence in the country.
Pope Leo XIV will meet these young people during his official visit to France. Bounlay, raised in a Buddhist family but with a Catholic mother, found comfort in faith during difficult times. Historian Charles Mercier notes that many young people are drawn to religion due to spiritual experiences, bereavement, personal struggles, and concerns about an uncertain future.
The proportion of French people identifying as Catholic has dropped from 85% in the 1960s to 46% in recent years, but the increase in young people converting is a positive sign for the Church, though not a dramatic turnaround. Some young converts plan to raise their children differently, ensuring they are baptized like themselves.
Denis Barral, who accompanies adults during the preparation for baptism, expressed joy at witnessing the influx of young converts.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
