Bishop Niall Coll of Raphoe has said young people interested in the Church are looking for enduring truth, not endless discussion or progressive experimentation. Recent Amarach Research polls published by The Iona Institute show greater openness to religion among those aged 18-24, something that is emerging in other countries as well such as the US, the UK and France.

Speaking at the launch of a book “Transformative Renewal in the Catholic Church”, by Fr John O’Brien CSSp,  Bishop Coll spoke of those born roughly 1995–2012: the first generation to have never known life without a smartphone.

“Growing up (since 1995) entirely in a post-Christian, digital, morally fragmented culture they have no inherited memory of Catholic Ireland. Paradoxically, this leads many of them to seek clarity, coherence and tradition”.

“Often converts, they are drawn to doctrinal solidity, sacramental depth and continuity with the Church’s tradition. For them the Church lies in truth that is intelligible and demanding, not adaptability”, he said.

“Having grown up amid constant choice, information overload and moral ambiguity, they are less interested in conversation and more in formation that produces conviction and confidence.”