My awakening: How Gen Z's relationship with religion is changing
But as soon as I got there, I thought: OK, now I get it!
As I walked through the 237-acre Tor Vergata grounds just 10 miles east of Rome, around me were hundreds of thousands of young people from all over the world, setting up their tents, blowing up air beds, singing and dancing as Christian music pumped from the speakers. It was a hot Roman day, around 90 degrees, and some of these pilgrims had walked for up to eight hours to get here. But still, the heat was no deterrent to the joy in the air.
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What was extraordinary about this event, the Jubilee of Youth, was that while there were well-known Christian artists performing, the young people hadn't come to see them. They were waiting to pray. Yes — pray!
And when, at 7:30 p.m., the roar of a helicopter was heard overhead, the crowd erupted. The white papal chopper had made the short journey from the Vatican and circled the crowd twice. 'Viva Papa,' they cheered.
Throwing up clouds of dust, the chopper was glowing in the evening sun as it landed. Then on the large screens, people watched as Pope Leo XIV — the first American pope — emerged and boarded the Mercedes Popemobile.
Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here!
'Incredibly moving'
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After weaving through the crowd, going back and forth blessing the sea of people on either side, the pope took to the stage and led a two-hour, deeply spiritual prayer vigil.
The moment Pope Leo brought out the Eucharist, what Catholics believe is the real body of Jesus in the bread, 1 million young people suddenly fell silent, many on their knees with their eyes closed.
Fr. Vincent Bernhard, the university chaplain at NYU, who was there leading a pilgrimage of young men from across the US, was moved by that moment: 'It was so silent you could hear a pin drop. When I looked around, you could see everyone kneeling and looking in one direction. It was incredibly moving. Only the pope could do that. Make everyone stop and look towards Jesus.'
Something is changing in society when it comes to Gen Z and their relationship with religion. Their parents may have drifted from the Church — because of scandals, laziness, shifting priorities, etc.
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But from the young people I spoke to at Tor Vergata, I got a sense they are searching for deeper answers to life's oldest questions. This is something Pope Leo spoke to directly from the stage: 'There is a burning question in our hearts, a need for truth that we cannot ignore, which leads us to ask ourselves: What is true happiness? What is the true meaning of life? . . . Jesus is our hope.'
True meaning
Indeed, from traveling the world covering the Catholic Church and people's relationship with faith for EWTN, I think young people — especially — have been fed the lie that they'll find fulfillment in fame, fortune and followers.
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They've been encouraged to hang their identity on their career, on their social-media persona, and on their popularity. And while these things might offer instant, short-term gratification, more and more young people seem to be realizing that they don't lead to lasting, meaningful fulfillment.
When the three F's disappear — fame, fortune, followers — what gives your life fulfillment and meaning? Young people today are looking for meaning, and many are finding it in the tradition, culture and beauty of the Catholic Church.
For years it hasn't been 'cool' to be Catholic, or even easy to say you believe in God. But as with anything pushed aside or suppressed, sometimes the opposite happens — it re-emerges as something unexpected, something different. Something countercultural that intrigues young people and starts to draw them in again.
Cue the Jubilee of Youth, and a million young people on their knees in a field outside of Rome. Something profound is drawing them, and with the Catholic Church having a new, relatively young and timely pope who talks about social media, algorithms, and artificial intelligence, young people are engaged.
Found a home
As darkness fell over Tor Vergata, the choir sang, 'Jesus Christ, you are my life,' as the papal helicopter once again roared into the air and turned back toward Vatican City. One of the most powerful messages the pope left the young people with was, 'Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less.'
One of the young men with Fr. Vincent on pilgrimage was 19-year-old Marco Terrizzi from Illinois. He recently came into the faith and told me, 'This was sensational. I truly feel changed forever. I feel like I've found my forever home in the Catholic Church.'
Colm Flynn is a correspondent for EWTN, global Catholic television.
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New York Post
2 hours ago
- New York Post
My awakening: How Gen Z's relationship with religion is changing
When someone told me it was going to be like the Catholic version of Woodstock, I laughed. But as soon as I got there, I thought: OK, now I get it! As I walked through the 237-acre Tor Vergata grounds just 10 miles east of Rome, around me were hundreds of thousands of young people from all over the world, setting up their tents, blowing up air beds, singing and dancing as Christian music pumped from the speakers. It was a hot Roman day, around 90 degrees, and some of these pilgrims had walked for up to eight hours to get here. But still, the heat was no deterrent to the joy in the air. Advertisement What was extraordinary about this event, the Jubilee of Youth, was that while there were well-known Christian artists performing, the young people hadn't come to see them. They were waiting to pray. Yes — pray! And when, at 7:30 p.m., the roar of a helicopter was heard overhead, the crowd erupted. The white papal chopper had made the short journey from the Vatican and circled the crowd twice. 'Viva Papa,' they cheered. Throwing up clouds of dust, the chopper was glowing in the evening sun as it landed. Then on the large screens, people watched as Pope Leo XIV — the first American pope — emerged and boarded the Mercedes Popemobile. Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here! 'Incredibly moving' Advertisement After weaving through the crowd, going back and forth blessing the sea of people on either side, the pope took to the stage and led a two-hour, deeply spiritual prayer vigil. The moment Pope Leo brought out the Eucharist, what Catholics believe is the real body of Jesus in the bread, 1 million young people suddenly fell silent, many on their knees with their eyes closed. Fr. Vincent Bernhard, the university chaplain at NYU, who was there leading a pilgrimage of young men from across the US, was moved by that moment: 'It was so silent you could hear a pin drop. When I looked around, you could see everyone kneeling and looking in one direction. It was incredibly moving. Only the pope could do that. Make everyone stop and look towards Jesus.' Something is changing in society when it comes to Gen Z and their relationship with religion. Their parents may have drifted from the Church — because of scandals, laziness, shifting priorities, etc. Advertisement But from the young people I spoke to at Tor Vergata, I got a sense they are searching for deeper answers to life's oldest questions. This is something Pope Leo spoke to directly from the stage: 'There is a burning question in our hearts, a need for truth that we cannot ignore, which leads us to ask ourselves: What is true happiness? What is the true meaning of life? . . . Jesus is our hope.' True meaning Indeed, from traveling the world covering the Catholic Church and people's relationship with faith for EWTN, I think young people — especially — have been fed the lie that they'll find fulfillment in fame, fortune and followers. Advertisement They've been encouraged to hang their identity on their career, on their social-media persona, and on their popularity. And while these things might offer instant, short-term gratification, more and more young people seem to be realizing that they don't lead to lasting, meaningful fulfillment. When the three F's disappear — fame, fortune, followers — what gives your life fulfillment and meaning? Young people today are looking for meaning, and many are finding it in the tradition, culture and beauty of the Catholic Church. For years it hasn't been 'cool' to be Catholic, or even easy to say you believe in God. But as with anything pushed aside or suppressed, sometimes the opposite happens — it re-emerges as something unexpected, something different. Something countercultural that intrigues young people and starts to draw them in again. Cue the Jubilee of Youth, and a million young people on their knees in a field outside of Rome. Something profound is drawing them, and with the Catholic Church having a new, relatively young and timely pope who talks about social media, algorithms, and artificial intelligence, young people are engaged. Found a home As darkness fell over Tor Vergata, the choir sang, 'Jesus Christ, you are my life,' as the papal helicopter once again roared into the air and turned back toward Vatican City. One of the most powerful messages the pope left the young people with was, 'Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less.' One of the young men with Fr. Vincent on pilgrimage was 19-year-old Marco Terrizzi from Illinois. He recently came into the faith and told me, 'This was sensational. I truly feel changed forever. I feel like I've found my forever home in the Catholic Church.' Colm Flynn is a correspondent for EWTN, global Catholic television.
Buzz Feed
2 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
29 Cool TikTok Products That Deserve Your Attention
Wonderskin's transfer-proof lip stain I'm sure you've seen an influencer or two pop on their lips in the beginning of a "get ready with me" that initially left you thinking, "What on earth?!" Sure, it looks a little wacky for a minute, but when you wipe it off, it leaves a gorgeous stain that'll last for up to 10 hours of yapping, snacking, and puckering. A fan-fave Biodance hydrating overnight mask because everyone's skin needs a little TLC, and there's nothing quite like waking up feeling hydrated and refreshed. It's packed with special forms of hyaluronic acid and collagen that penetrate more deeply to maximize product absorption, and you can even *see* it get to work as the sheet becomes transparent. Not only will you look glowy and moisturized, but this mask can help refine enlarged pores, enhance skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A six-pack of soda can lids with straws because everything just tastes better through a straw, *and* these are reusable, so no need to feel sorry for the turtles. And BTW, I'm not sure if you've ever thought about it, but do you really know where that can's lid has been before you put your lips on it? That *icky* thought kinda ruins the most satisfying and crispy "ahhh" after the first sip. A hands-free neck fan to answer your sweaty prayers during those hotter months when your office's AC keeps breaking down. And since this is blade-free, you can finally wear your hair down at the amusement park and not risk it getting caught in the fan. It offers 360-degree airflow to keep your entire neck and face cool — and did I mention it can run up to 16 hours?? A flower vase puzzle for any jigsaw masters who never shy away from a challenge. And the *ultimate* reward for finishing this 160-piece puzzle: Now you'll have the coolest conversation starter (and best bragging opportunity) just sitting in your living room. A bag of Drizzilicious mini rice cakes for anyone who might have a bit of an *insatiable* sweet tooth and loves to try a hot new goodie. These mini rice cakes allow you to relish some of the ultimate sweet treat flavors — like birthday cake and French toast — without leaving the comfort of your home. Bonus points: These yummy bites are made with quinoa, chia seeds, and flax seeds! Or a bag of Swedish candy mix because people on TikTok cannot get enough of the uniquely soft "Bubs" and mouthwatering sour skulls. I can't tell you how many times I've drooled over these delicious-looking bites through my phone! Reviewers say these have a fluffier texture and more natural flavor than American candy. A shower lamp allowing you to have a main character moment in your shower under ~moody~ lighting while you process something deep. It's water resistant and rechargeable, so you can finally have the most elite shower setup without worrying about causing a spark show. A Stanley cup snack tray that'll pair perfectly with your emotional support water bottle that you can't bear to leave the house without. Now there's no need to *ever* leave, because you can spend every night cuddled up with your Stanley and some good 'ol refreshments while catching up on your favorite show. And with four separate compartments, you can keep your sweet and salty snacks from ~mingling~, because there's no talking during this screening. A sheep toilet paper roll holder because everyone's gotta have an extra roll or two of TP so you don't get into any sticky situations. I'll spare you from any baaaaa-d I guess not. Laneige's Neo blurring powder, which has been popping up on everyone's feeds for a good reason — this powder can smooth the appearance of your skin, blur pores, AND absorb oil! The compact design makes it so easy to pop in your bag and bring with you for any on-the-go touch-ups, taking away the day's grease but never your ✨ glow.✨ An adorable ballet slipper makeup pouch to keep all of your random free-floating lippies in your purse accessible — and so you don't throw *another* gloss in your bag because you can't remember if you left one in there. If you have a ballerina in your life, this would be a cute (and definitely not ~pointe~less) gift to keep them organized! A "flossing" toothbrush in case you can't remember to floss as frequently as you tell your dentist you do at your cleanings — this toothbrush has ultra-thin "floss" bristles that can get out all those bits of broccoli to help cover for your more forgetful nights. Your shiny, clean teeth will approve of the message "Work smarter, not harder." A self-heating ice cream scoop, because it's a universal experience: You set the ice cream out to thaw about 10 minutes before you want to actually have somehow, it's still frozen solid, and you're getting tempted to just microwave it. This scoop heats up when you press the button to make ice cream scooping as easy as pie — ooooh, that would be good with this vanilla bean! A "Gracula" garlic crusher for anyone with a sophisticated palate who has never even considered mumbling the phrase, "That's too much garlic." Now your fingers won't smell like your fave aromatic for days after chopping because this crusher will do all your mincing quickly! And in case you're always caught daydreaming about the Salvatore brothers while meal prepping, well, at least you can now blame it on your vampire garlic chopper. A tea bag that steeps a sipping broth for when you're nursing a cold (or a hangover) and the only thing you can stomach is some broth, but you definitely don't have enough energy to cook anything. Just pop this bag into a mug, add some hot water, and let it steep like you would your morning cuppa — but just remember this flavor is savory beef and not English breakfast. A bottle of classic whip sunscreen infamous on TikTok for leaving viewers confused over why someone would rub whipped cream all over their face and body. It may *look* like the topping of a strawberry shortcake, but it actually has SPF 30 and is water resistant for 30 minutes! This sunscreen will leave you feeling moisturized (but not oily) *and* smelling like coconut and banana while you lay out. A Beachwaver rotating curling iron for anyone who's struggled for years to nail that perfect loose curl and has seen little to no success (plus a few neck burns). Just clamp a section of hair into the Beachwaver, press the button to rotate, and release the wave! It's so much easier than a traditional curler, since this gadget will perfectly wrap up your locks so you don't have to bend your elbow and crane your neck. A Bounce Curl hair brush with a grooved design that helps separate and smooth curls so you have one less step in your hair routine — just twist the brush's grooves into your wet curls to create well-defined clumps without any frizz. Reviewers say they were *shocked* by how it glided through their hair like butter and left their curls looking so pretty. Now every day can be a good hair day! A copy of Burn After Writing that'll have you tapping into your secret pyromaniac side. This journal is designed for you to let it all out, then burn all evidence after the like you're gonna plead the fifth. 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Oxo's rapid coffee brewer for anyone who craves an ice-cold java in the morning, at lunchtime, and maybe even can't afford to keep buying them out. This machine can make delicious, strong cold brew in just FIVE minutes so you can enjoy within the comfort of your home. And psst — some reviewers say they like it even more than their trusty AeroPress, so savings galore! A Yonanas fruit soft-serve maker that'll turn any frozen fruit of your choice into a silky smooth sorbet-like treat to satisfy every sweet tooth around. And since you can control all the ingredients that go in, it's perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions or picky eaters. OK chef! An adorable hanging crochet plant in case your car is in need of a touch of personality before you officially name it — just know if it's a white Volkswagen Beetle with the number 53 on the side, its name is already Herbie and you've got a new Lindsay Lohan movie to watch. A pack of flat claw clips in case you're sick of not being able to sit in any chair with a headrest comfortably while wearing a regular claw clip. This slides horizontally into your hair and is rounded to cradle the back of your head, so feel free to thank me for the rec after your next comfy recline. A leakproof and insulated golf tumbler to keep track of your golf score by twisting tallies for total score, strokes per hole, greens in regulation, and fairways hit. Whether you came to get some chipping practice in on your day off or you're just there to drive the cart and drink transfusions, now you can easily keep track of your game. A clever electric lighter with a long, bendy neck so you don't burn yourself while attempting to light those 100 birthday candles for grandma you thought were a good idea. This lighter can be used up to 600 times on a single charge — that's a lot of candles. 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Epoch Times
5 hours ago
- Epoch Times
Tourism Australia Taps Robert Irwin to Lure US Travellers Down Under
Australian celebrity Robert Irwin, English television cook Nigella Lawson, Chinese actor Yosh Yu, and other international stars have been unveiled as the new faces to lure overseas tourists Down Under. Videos featuring these celebrities set against iconic Australian landscapes will be part of the federal government's latest tourism campaign aimed at attracting travellers from the UK, United States, China, Japan, and India. Robert Irwin, the son of the late Australian wildlife icon Steve Irwin, will front the advertisement for the American market. Wellness advocate Sara Tendulkar will appear in ads for India, while Chinese actor Yosh (Shi) Yu, the UK's Lawson, and Japanese comedian Abareru-kun will feature in commercials airing in their respective home countries. The $130 million campaign expands on Tourism Australia's ' Come and Say G'day ' initiative, which introduced the beloved animated mascot Ruby the Roo. In the video, an American tourist loses his phone in the desert—only to be rescued by Irwin. 'G'day mate, just going for a stroll?' Irwin greets him. Looking defeated, the tourist responds, 'An emu took my phone.' Irwin grins and says, 'Well, we better go find it.' Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said traditionally, tourism campaigns use one famous face across all markets. 'But for our latest campaign Ruby will be joined by well-known talent from five different markets to showcase personal lasting memories of a holiday to Australia,' Harrison said. 'These international stars combine with local talent ... to create bespoke invitations for five markets.' Tourism Recovery in Australia Since the resumption of global travel, Australia's domestic tourism industry has grown with the number of international arrivals expected to reach a record 10 million in 2026 and 11.8 million in 2029. More than 700,000 jobs and 360,000 Australian businesses depend on tourism, while Chinese travellers remain Australia's second biggest cohort of tourists behind New Zealand, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The advertisements will go live in China on TV and online from Aug. 7. 'Tourism is the lifeblood of so many communities right around the country and creates hundreds of thousands of jobs,' said Tourism Minister Don Farrell. Nonetheless, industry experts have expressed caution about over-relying on China. 'China's slowing economic growth, youth unemployment, and property sector instability could hinder outbound travel demand. A weaker yuan may reduce international travel spend,' said Janene Wardrop, principal of event planning business Ascot Event Management, in a previous interview with The Epoch Times. Wardrop stated that the three main risks of over-relying on the China market are strategic, economic, and geopolitical. 'AUST needs to ensure there is diversification,' she wrote. 'AUST needs to ensure they support the China market whilst also building resilience by building their tourism market by product diversification, risk scenario planning, market diversification and to create constructive and culturally tailored marketing to Tier 2/3 cities. 'Priority should be on quality over quantity and attract high-yield, low-impact travellers.'
