(LifeSiteNews) — Yet another survey of American Catholic priests has found that younger generations are more theologically orthodox than their older counterparts.
The survey, conducted by the Catholic University of America (CUA), also finds younger priests are less interested in liberal social politics like LGBT issues and “climate change” than older priests. It echoes a similar report by CUA’s Catholic Project in 2022 and 2023.
This report garnered responses from approximately 40 percent of U.S. priests
“We found that 94% of priests responded that Youth/Young adult ministry, Family Formation/Marriage Preparation, and Evangelization should be considered priorities by the Church in the U.S.,” the group stated.
A majority of priests, 59 percent, said access to the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) should not be a priority. However, this is largely driven by older priests.
Among those ordained in 2000 or later, about 40 percent said TLM access should be a priority. Priests ordained prior to 1980 placed a higher emphasis on the “LGBTQ Community,” “social justice,” and “synodality,” than they did on “Eucharist devotion.”
In contrast, 88 percent of priests ordained since 2000 said Eucharistic devotion should be a priority.
While many priests consider themselves politically moderate, the report found there remains a gap in the theological approach between older priests and younger clerics.
The report stated:
[A]mong priests ordained before 1975, more than 70% described themselves as theologically progressive, while in the 2010-or-later cohort only 8% did so. By contrast, over 70% of the youngest priests described themselves as either “conservative/orthodox” or “very conservative/orthodox,” leaving only about one in five in the “middle-of-the-road.”
Across the board, priests expressed an interest in greater theological and spiritual training, as well as building fraternity with their fellow clerics.
Just 21 percent, however, cited “intercultural” and “interfaith” training as an interest.
The report also warned about the potential for burnout among younger priests who may be shouldering more responsibilities, including multiple parishes, due to a lack of priests.
Catholic groups say the results affirm what they have seen
Several Catholic leaders told LifeSiteNews they are not surprised by the results, which reflect what they see as a growing embrace of tradition among younger generations.
“Perhaps never before in the modern history of American Catholicism has discerning a vocation to the priesthood been more a matter of choice and conviction, has been more sacrificial, and has been more counter cultural,” C.J. Doyle, executive director of the Catholic Action League, told LifeSiteNews vie email.
“It is only natural, therefore, that the most faithful, and thus the most orthodox, wish to serve,” he said. Doyle cited declining birth rates among Catholic families and the lack of a military draft that would entice “effeminate” men to dodge by joining a seminary as reasons for the changes.
Doyle also referenced the increasing burden on younger priests. “Being a priest in America today is not only a vocation, but a challenge and a sacrifice beyond the requirements of continence,” he said.
He also offered advice for bishops and Catholic groups on how to use the information.
“Young Catholic families who attend the traditional Latin Mass, who homeschool, and who are active in the pro-life movement, are fertile ground for vocations,” Doyle said. “The Church should promote all three.”
“Instead, we see the suppression of the traditional liturgy, indifference to homeschooling and the repeated betrayal of the pro-life movement, aka Cupich/Durbin,” he said, referencing the scandalous attempt by Cardinal Blase Cupich to bestow a “lifetime achievement award” on notoriously pro-abortion and pro-LGBT Senator Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat.
He said that homosexuality in the priesthood has been a problem, but the lack of interest in LGBT issues is an “encouraging sign.”
John Ritchie, the director of Tradition, Family, and Property Student Action (TFP Student Action), shared similar insights. His group often works on college campuses to promote Catholic morality.
“There is a deep attraction for truth, reverence, and fidelity to the perennial teachings of the Church,” Ritchie told LifeSiteNews via email.
He said young priests are “painfully aware” of the confusion in the Church, and so the results make sense to him.
He told LifeSiteNews:
Many younger priests today are painfully aware of the consequences of doctrinal confusion and moral compromise. So it’s no surprise that they reject the failed experiment of watering down the Faith to make it more “relevant” or trendy. It think it’s a sign of hope that more young Americans are embracing traditional liturgy, altar rails, the rosary, reverence, and moral clarity as the path forward. They like priests who are not afraid to preach the truth.
The results “should be a wake-up call” to Church leaders, Ritchie said.
“Imagine how many new vocations would be fostered if seminaries promoted a strong Catholic identity, reverent liturgy, and a courageous, counter-cultural witness,” he said. “Seminaries that embrace tradition – whether that means offering the Latin Mass, clear teaching on moral issues, or a life of prayer and discipline – tend to attract more vocations.”
Young people, he said, want “heroic examples of holiness and leadership,” not political activists leading them.
“Priests are not called to be social workers or political activists,” Ritchie said. “They are spiritual fathers charged with leading souls to conversion and salvation, not affirming sinful lifestyles contrary to Church teaching.”