Even as Gen Z remains statistically one of the least religiously affiliated generations, several studies suggest Gen Z is also experiencing a notable rise in interest and conversion within the Catholic Church. Some reports even suggest that young Catholics, ages 18-29, are some of the most actively engaged members in parish life. What is behind this interest and engagement with Catholicism? Why Catholicism? What do these trends say about our society and the cultural moment we are navigating?
This episode’s guest, Eyram Klu, OFS, not only has a beautiful journey but also reflects a number of Gen Z trends. Eyram is a Third Order Secular Franciscan, tech consulting professional, digital missionary, evangelist, and speaker. He was fully received into the Catholic Church in 2022, and studies part-time at Duke Divinity School’s Fons Vitae Catholic Fellowship. He has a passionate heart for welcoming those on the margins into the embrace of Christ’s Church and creates content about belonging and discipleship. Follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @TheAfrociscan, and be on the lookout for a new podcast he is launching in November 2026 called “The Witness” centered on belonging and discipleship in the Catholic Church.
Reflection segments throughout the episode are brought to you by Ela Milewska, the Director of Evangelization at the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Becoming Catholic
Even as Gen Z remains statistically one of the least religiously affiliated generations, several studies suggest Gen Z is also experiencing a notable rise in interest and conversion within the Catholic Church. Some reports even suggest that young Catholics, ages 18-29, are some of the most actively engaged members in parish life. What is behind this interest and engagement with Catholicism? Why Catholicism? What do these trends say about our society and the cultural moment we are navigating?
This episode’s guest, Eyram Klu, OFS, not only has a beautiful journey but also reflects a number of Gen Z trends. Eyram is a Third Order Secular Franciscan, tech consulting professional, digital missionary, evangelist, and speaker. He was fully received into the Catholic Church in 2022, and studies part-time at Duke Divinity School’s Fons Vitae Catholic Fellowship. He has a passionate heart for welcoming those on the margins into the embrace of Christ’s Church and creates content about belonging and discipleship. Follow him on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @TheAfrociscan, and be on the lookout for a new podcast he is launching in November 2026 called “The Witness” centered on belonging and discipleship in the Catholic Church.
Reflection segments throughout the episode are brought to you by Ela Milewska, the Director of Evangelization at the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Show Notes for Becoming Catholic
– Explore Eyram Klu’s social media channels and his latest content here.
– Read Eyram’s recent article for Franciscan Media, “A Franciscan Perspective on the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
– Read “Gen Z’s future with the Catholic Church,” a recent editorial in America Magazine.
– Explore Pew Research Center’s recent “Religious Landscape Study.”
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