MONACO (RNS) – A highlight of Pope Leo XIV’s one-day trip to Monaco was his meeting with young Catholics in the country, including those who represent a surging number of catechumens, or people converting or returning to the faith and preparing to receive the sacraments.
While research points to skepticism regarding a possible Catholic “revival” — following years of steady decrease in the number of faithful as parents struggle to pass down the faith to the new generations — some recent data and reports from Catholic dioceses have suggested growth in some pockets of Catholicism worldwide.
But speaking at the Chapel of St. Dévote in Monaco on Saturday (March 28), Leo seemed to take notice of an increased interest in Catholicism among youth. He observed that if “today the faith faces challenges and obstacles, yet nothing can dim its beauty and truth.”
“We can see this in the growing number of men and women of all ages who desire to know the Lord and ask to be baptized,” he said.
Monaco, which is majority Catholic despite its tiny population and square footage, is welcoming 70 new catechumens this year, more than double those registered in 2025, and triple that of 2024. While many of them are young, they represent a variety of ages and backgrounds.
“As in other countries, we have the pleasure of welco …