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Veils and Virtue
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Young Catholics are increasingly embracing the Latin Mass, pre-Vatican II devotions, modest dress, and orthodox teachings—practices once thought to be fading relics of the past. From veiling at Mass to rediscovering the works of St. Thomas Aquinas, this generation is actively seeking a deeper, more structured form of Catholicism.
This revival is unforseen. Secularism is reaching a decline , with religious affiliation skyrocketing across the Western world. Gen Z is often described as progressive, questioning institutions, and rejecting authority—yet many within this demographic are turning to one of the most hierarchical and ritualistic traditions in Christianity.
The question is: Why? Why is the most digital, individualistic, and socially progressive generation attracted to something ancient, structured, and deeply rooted in obedience? What does traditional Catholicism offer that modernity does not?
Well lets break it down. First let's start with what is Traditional Catholic or ‘’Trad Catholic’’ as they are referred to online. Traditional Catholicism refers to a return to the Church’s historic liturgy, devotions, and theological foundations that were more prominent before Vatican II. It core component are…
The Latin Mass (Tridentine Mass): A solemn, pious liturgy celebrated in Latin, with Gregorian chant, kneeling for Communion, and strong focus on the Eucharist’s sacredness.
Rosary Devotion: A daily practice of meditating on Christ’s life through Mary’s intercession, seen as a spiritual weapon of protection and sanctity and essential to Catholic identity.
Fasting & Mortification: Observing older fasting rules, such as abstaining from meat on Fridays, Ember Days, and other penitential practices to cultivate self-discipline and spiritual strength.
Theology Rooted in the Church Fathers & Thomism: A focus on the works of early Church theologians and St. Thomas Aquinas, emphasizing absolute truth, natural law, and traditional moral teachings.
Nowadays, marked by hyper-individualism, digital overload, and growing religious schsim, it’s surprising to see members of Gen Z turning back towards traditional Catholicism. Frequently portrayed as progressive, anti-institutional, and skeptical of authority, this generation defies expectations by seeking out the very structure and ritual many of their peers have rejected. Globally, churches are seeing younger generations drift away—but in small but reverent Latin Mass communities and theology reading groups, young Catholics are returning to pre-Vatican II traditions. For them, tradition isn’t regressive—it’s radical. The Latin Mass, fasting, and modest
dress offer a sense of rootedness and clarity in a chaotic world. Amid the noise of modern culture, these practices provide quiet, mystery, and meaning. Traditional Catholicism gives Gen Z a countercultural identity, a spiritual discipline, and access to a sacred beauty they often feel is lacking elsewhere. In choosing the old, they’re crafting something strikingly new.
Despite its growing popularity, the rise of traditional Catholicism among young people hasn’t come without criticism. Detractors argue it leans too heavily on rigidity, clericalism, or even misplaced nostalgia for a Church that once felt less accessible. Tensions occasionally flare between traditional and mainstream Catholic communities, especially as some bishops remain cautious—or outright restrictive—about the availability of the Latin Mass. A known example of this is the very head of the Church Pope John Paul. In the bigger picture. through the 2021 motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, reflect concerns about its use and the broader implications for the Catholic Church. His decision to restrict the celebration of the TLM, reversing the more permissive approach of his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI, stems from a combination of theological, pastoral, and unity-related reasons.
In his press release he holiness said ‘’In order to promote the concord and unity of the Church, with paternal solicitude towards those who in any region adhere to liturgical forms antecedent to the reform willed by the Vatican Council II, my Venerable Predecessors, Saint John Paul II and Benedict XVI, granted and regulated the faculty to use the Roman Missal edited by John XXIII in 1962.[3] In this way they intended “to facilitate the ecclesial communion of those Catholics who feel attached to some earlier liturgical forms” and not to others.[4]’’
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But many young traditionalists are pushing back, not with defiance, but with a quiet commitment to unity. They aren't trying to divide the Church; they’re trying to deepen their faith. For them, tradition isn’t about rejecting Vatican II—it’s about reclaiming reverence, beauty, and spiritual seriousness in a world that often forgets the sacred.
This isn't a voiceless revival isn’t just about aesthetics or nostalgia—it’s about quenching a deep spiritual hunger. Young Catholics today are not simply mimicking the past, but reappropriating it with fresh zeal. In a society saturated with instant gratification, moral ambiguity, and spiritual relativism, they’re drawn to a religion that demands something of them. Traditional Catholicism asks for sacrifice, discipline, and obedience—values that may seem outdated, but which resonate deeply with a generation craving authenticity and purpose. It’s not about turning back the clock; it’s about anchoring themselves in something timeless.
This movement also thrives online. Through Instagram pages such as Ironinquisitor, Comedic
Catholics and Franco Aurelio along with TikTok testimonies, from people like Sarah Stock coming home, young "Trad Catholics" are building communities beyond parish walls. They’re reading papal encyclicals, memorizing catechism answers, and attending Latin Mass with veils and mantillas—not out of blind obedience, but thoughtful conviction. Many find that the traditional liturgy, with its silence, incense, and reverent gestures, draws them deeper into the mystery of God.
In embracing the old, they’re forging a new spiritual counterculture—one that is unapologetically
Catholic in form and fervent in faith. While debates around Vatican II and Church unity continue, one thing is clear: this is not a passing trend, but a growing movement of young people yearning for the sacred, the transcendent, and the true.
I spoke to Connor MCcauley co- founder of Catholic organization Humanum Project. We spoke about the specifics of what are attracting Gen Z back to the home of the Traditional church. The highlight of the interview is when I asked him ‘’What role does a sense of historical continuity or authenticity play in drawing young Catholics to traditional rituals?’’. He gave a stellar answer for quite an off the hook questions. ‘’ Yeah I mean I think it’s essential I think its so huge.. Thinking of myself kind of growing up in the faith.. A lot of you just follow for a long time.. You just do at a certain age point say after your confirmation your faith you start asking the questions like ok am I am going to do this for myself.. Is this what I actually truly belief.. Like this this how I want to live and raise a family in.. you start to ask like the big existential question of life.. Like you know what does this all mean.. And then you find yourself winding back to the foundations of what what created of the thing that your practising.. and so when it come to Catholicism your going to back to the question.. Of like ok what did Jesus intend for his church and you’ve obviously asked the question is Jesus God and you’ve come to believe in that like ok what did Jesus desire for that Mass and where was the Church.. You know back when it first started, when you start to aks these questions.. And your starting to fall in love with who Jesus is you want to worship and pray as he intended, so I think I thinks its huge and that is probably one of the biggest things that us his flock. Young people are tired of wanting the fake and the fuzzy and the craving just Jesus and his whole being and that whole thing really come down to what Jesus desired and what he intended for us. So basically I just think we just truth.
Another answer that i think really emphasized the essence of this whole topic is
The fiery powerful resurgence of traditional Catholicism among young people is more than a liturgical trend—it’s a spiritual awakening. In a restless, distracted age, Gen Z is turning to what is ancient to rediscover what is eternal . The Latin Mass, veiling, fasting, and Thomistic theology aren't just
aesthetics—they're bold acts of devotion and renewal and their rocketing to fame. Just to further prove the point going viral on Tiktok is young ladies wearing the traditional vail known as the Mantilla which is black to celebrate Maundy Thursday in the most important week in the Catholic calendar Holy week or in Spanish Semana Santa.
Despite internal Church tensions, this movement shows tradition’s lasting power. These young Catholics aren’t escaping the world—they’re aiming to sanctify it. In a culture obsessed with self and novelty, they’re choosing surrender, mystery, and silence. Tradition isn't dying; it's being reignited—by the very generation no one expected.
Echo Chambers & Ballot Boxes: How the Media Fuels Misinformation in U.S. Elections B
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In an age where news travels faster than the truth, the media’s role in shaping public opinion has never been more consequential—or more contested. From network broadcasts to influencer reels, the information battlefield surrounding U.S. elections is as polarized as the politics it covers. But what happens when the platforms we trust become the very engines of misinformation?That question drove this investigation: How does the media exacerbate political misinformation in U.S. elections? Through a mix of survey data, interviews, and secondary research, this report uncovers the complex web of biases, algorithms, and human behaviors that distort political realities.The Decline of Traditional Media and the Rise of the Algorithm.
Since 2020, traditional media outlets have faced a dramatic fall from grace. Once pillars of public trust, they are now often accused of peddling sensationalism or towing ideological lines. This decline, accelerated by the pandemic and digital disruption, opened the floodgates for social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) to dominate the conversation.Younger audiences, especially Gen Z, have turned away from legacy news outlets, opting instead for fast, digestible content from influencers, podcasters, and peers. This migration isn't just about convenience—it reflects a deeper mistrust of institutional narratives and a craving for perceived authenticity. But this shift brings its own risks, especially when entertainment and opinion are mistaken for facts.Surveying the Misinformation LandscapeTo explore these dynamics, I conducted a survey of 25 individuals aged 18-45 from Middlesex University, along with interviews spanning political aides, journalists, and media professionals.
The results reveal how social media both informs and misinforms—often in the same scroll.
Key Insights:65% of respondents aged 18–24 cited social media as their primary news source, with Instagram surprisingly leading over TikTok and X.News websites remained popular among the 25–34 demographic, while traditional TV held sway only in the 45–54 bracket.Print media and radio? Virtually absent.
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One respondent admitted they “just happen to come across political content” and look it up “if it interests them,” while another preferred listening to “podcasters whom I share common views with.” These habits expose a reliance on emotionally resonant, personalized news rather than fact-checked, balanced reporting.And yet, platforms like BBC still hold value. Some participants praised it for being “accurate” and offering “the whole story,” signaling a hybrid model where traditional outlets supplement social feeds.When Influence Becomes Interference/
The 2024 election was defined by digital strategy. Both parties weaponized platforms like Instagram and TikTok to court younger voters. Flashy visuals, influencer collaborations, and values-driven messaging popping up all over the internet.In one example, campaign outreach made up 33.3% of engagement strategies, driven largely by celebrity and influencer endorsements. These personalities became trusted surrogates for political messaging—sometimes more influential than party spokespeople themselves.But this new form of campaigning wasn’t without controversy. One viral claim, accusing the Democratic Party of enlisting a Chinese national to fraudulently vote, exploded across X and Facebook. It spread via unverified screenshots and user-generated posts—classic signs of misinformation born from digital echo chambers.Freedom of Speech or Algorithmic Censorship?Several interviewees flagged growing concerns about censorship on platforms with political agendas. On the left, platforms like Meta were seen as amplifying progressive values. On the right, Elon Musk’s X was praised for its “free speech” stance—even as it was accused of favoring conservative voices.This raises the central question: Who decides what’s misinformation?Take the example of anti-vaccine content removal during COVID-19. Was it a public health necessity—or a suppression of dissent? Similar dynamics played out around Israel-Palestine content and election integrity narratives. Algorithms decide what trends, but those decisions are often hidden, making platforms as political as the posts they host.
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I also asked by audience about their opinion on Role of influencer/celebrity endorsement in building voter engagement? As you can see the most popular answer was big youtbers such as Joe Rogen and Megyn Kelly who had big Trump supporter names like Theo Von, Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens who all relate with the Gen Z audience. Ex news people such as Piers Morgen were also very popular during this cycle as they have experienced presidential campaigns themselves so they know whats going to heppen and they have had people on from both sides of the political sphere.
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Some people say social media regulates free speech through things like content moderation, post removals or account suspensions, which they perceive as censorship ultimately stifling discourse. For instance, platform X removed millions of posts in 2022 for policy violations, raising concerns about inconsistent enforcement or external influences. Other people however defend moderation as essential to prevent harm, like harassment or misinformation, stating that these platforms are private entities free to set rules, and users can seek less-regulated alternatives. The debate hinges on balancing safety with open expression, with differing views on where to draw the line.
According to Stanford Law attorney Marie-Andrée Weiss thesis in the Stanford Law school website (SLS). ‘’While freedom of speech is the general rule in the U.S. and in the European Union (I), there are nevertheless exceptions to this freedom on both sides of the Atlantic (II). Some of these national exceptions aim at preventing hate speech, defamation, or threats, while others aim at preventing speech which is considered in other countries as the mere expression of an opinion, albeit unsavory, but nevertheless legal. Social media sites allow the rapid spread of all speech, whether protected or not, and such messages spread around the world, and sometimes stir people into action.’’
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Along with the candidates in my University I interviewed some experts on the field specifically ​
A congressman staffer, one journalist, one reporter from Prager U a conservative media outlet, one chair woman of the Arizona Young Republicans Club and a Investment banker.
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The interviews revealed nuanced perspectives on the media's role in U.S. elections, particularly regarding political misinformation. Participants widely agreed that social media platforms, especially Twitter (now X) and Facebook, played the most significant role, often serving as both amplifiers of information and misinformation. The media was described as a double-edged sword, with its potential for positive impact—such as voter education and engagement—often overshadowed by its susceptibility to spreading polarizing or false narratives. Influencer and celebrity endorsements were highlighted as critical in mobilizing voter engagement, with their reach and perceived authenticity swaying public opinion, particularly among younger audiences. Both parties utilized targeted ads and algorithm-driven content to boost voter turnout, often creating echo chambers. Concerns were raised about freedom of speech, with political biases in platform ownership leading to allegations of censorship or selective amplification of certain viewpoints. Participants emphasized the public's role as media consumers in perpetuating misinformation, often through uncritical sharing of content. These insights helped address the overarching question by illustrating how media, particularly social media, exacerbates political misinformation through structural biases, amplification of divisive content, and the unchecked spread of misleading information.
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One powerful takeaway: Media literacy matters. Whether it’s fact-checking, diversifying sources, or understanding how algorithms work, informed consumers are the frontline defense against manipulation.
Inside the Interviews: Five Voices, One ConcernAmong those interviewed:A congressional staffer described “a double-edged sword” effect, where social media boosted civic engagement but also deepened misinformation.A journalist lamented the erosion of trust in mainstream outlets, while a PragerU reporter praised alternative platforms for offering “perspectives the media won’t show.”The Chairwoman of the Arizona Young Republicans warned of censorship’s chilling effect.An investment banker highlighted the economic incentives behind polarizing content, where “clicks mean cash—even if it’s fake.”All agreed: the system is broken, but repairable—with education, transparency, and accountability.Conclusion: Toward a More Informed FutureThe 2024 U.S. election painted a vivid portrait of a media landscape in flux. On one hand, social platforms democratized access to political discourse. On the other, they turbocharged misinformation, weaponized algorithms, and widened societal divides.One particularly jarring moment was when outlets like CNN and MSNBC dismissed early reports of voting machine failures in Georgia—only for viral videos to suggest otherwise. Whether fact or fiction, the damage was done: trust eroded, and confusion reigned.Moving forward, solutions must involve a multi-pronged approach: platform transparency, smarter regulation, and a renewed push for media literacy. The future of democracy depends not just on the information we receive—but on how we choose to engage with it.
