30 May 2025

Gen Z and faith – new findings

A new poll commissioned by The Iona Institute, a Christian advocacy group, and conducted by Amárach Research, has revealed a ‘complex and evolving landscape of public attitudes’ toward the Catholic Church in Ireland.

Key insights include:

Christianity vs. Catholic Church: While 50% of respondents hold a positive view of Christianity, only 27% feel the same about the Catholic Church as an institution. This suggests a distinction between faith and the organisation itself.

Enduring Value of Teachings: Despite institutional criticism, 45% believe Catholic teachings still benefit society, compared to 32% who disagree.

Gen Z’s Spiritual Curiosity: Contrary to common assumptions, 18–24-year-olds show more openness to religion and spirituality than Millennials. They are more likely to identify as religious or spiritual and engage with spiritual content online.

Cultural Catholics and Mass Attendance: While 22% of respondents do not identify as Catholic, only 16% are regular Mass-goers. ‘Cultural Catholics’—those who identify with the faith but rarely attend services—occupy a middle ground in their views.

The full results, including comparisons with a similar 2011 poll, are available on The Iona Institute’s website.