Faith in 2025: A Year of Change and Challenges

Leadership Shifts

• Catholic Church: Bid farewell to Pope Francis, welcomed Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pope.
• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Leadership transition to Dallin H. Oaks.

Tragedy and Resilience

• Michigan Church Shooting: Four dead, many injured, highlighting religiously motivated violence.
• Erika Kirk's Story: Inspired many by forgiving her husband's killer, showcasing faith's strength.

Historic Milestones

• New York: Zohran Mamdani became the first Muslim and South Asian mayor.
• Nigeria: Christian communities faced escalating violence, underscoring global religious persecution.

Faith in Public Life

• AI and Faith: Leaders stressed moral and spiritual principles in technology.
• Supreme Court Rulings: Strengthened religious freedoms, showing faith's influence.

Shifting Trends

• No Significant Faith Revival: Among young adults, challenging notions of widespread revival.
• Narrowing Gender Gap: Women becoming less religious, altering traditional dynamics.

Conclusion

2025 was a year of change, highlighting resilience, struggles against violence, and faith's evolving role in public life.