Newly Baptized Catholics Share Faith Journey in France
A newly baptized Catholic and two catechumens preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation shared their experiences with Vatican News, emphasizing how seeing Pope Leo XIV offers them hope for the future. This refle…
A newly baptized Catholic and two catechumens preparing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation shared their experiences with Vatican News, emphasizing how seeing Pope Leo XIV offers them hope for the future. This reflection comes as many adults increasingly choose to embrace Catholicism, particularly in France, where over 13,000 adults were baptized during Easter in 2026, marking a 28% increase from the previous year and a tripling in numbers over the past decade.
On September 26, during his Apostolic Journey to France, Pope Leo XIV visited several of these newly baptized individuals and catechumens at the Catholic University of Paris. Robin, a 24-year-old who was baptized in 2023, articulated a shift in religious identification within French society. "I see this decision [to convert] as part of a broader sociological trend. Today the Church in France is experiencing something very unique: it is transitioning from a Christianity that was once inherited to a Christianity that is chosen," he noted.
Robin grew up in an Evangelical Protestant family as the eighth of nine siblings. He recounted how his upbringing in a faith-centered household led him to appreciate the communal aspect of Catholicism, which he found profoundly impactful. He highlighted the influence of priests at the St. Louis parish in Paris and his reading of French poet Charles Péguy, whose writings inspired his conversion.
With support from his family regarding his shift to Catholicism, Robin expressed his joy at being able to see Pope Leo XIV again. He had previously encountered the Pope during the Jubilee for Youth in Rome in August 2025 and spoke about the honor of seeing him in his home country. "To see him again in Paris, in my country, specifically in the capital, is truly a great honor for us, a great honor for France, the eldest son of the Church," Robin remarked.
Another participant, 34-year-old Cristal, who began her catechumenate this year and aims to be baptized at Easter 2027, shared her journey of faith. She explained that although her mother is Muslim, their discussions centered around their belief in one God, facilitating a positive response to her decision. Inspired by a personal message she received during an Adoration celebration, Cristal emphasized the significance of prayer and mentorship in her spiritual journey.
Angelina, also 34, will be baptized on Easter next year and expressed how Pope Leo XIV's visit affirmed her choice to embrace Catholicism.
