The Active and Critical Participation: A Study on Belonging and Believing Among Young Catholics in Rome

This article deals with the relationship between young Catholics, their faith, and the Church. Several studies show a progressive distancing of the new generations from traditional religions, especially in European societies. This research focuses on young Catholics and observes their way of believing and belonging. Data collection was conducted in the religious and cultural context of the Diocese of Rome through semi-structured interviews with young key informants chosen for their educational engagement with their faith community. The results, analyzed through a reflective and positional approach conducted with N-vivo, highlight the emerging sensitivities of young people interested in the experience of faith and involvement in their community, despite a critical and not submissive sense of belonging towards the ecclesial institution and the proposed educational pathways for young people who are adapting to this new condition.