(NewsNation) — Catholicism is seeing renewed interest among some members of Gen Z, many of whom are embracing traditional values and searching for deeper meaning and purpose. The trend has also become part of a broader conversation about how faith and traditional values are influencing American politics, particularly among conservatives seeking to reshape the Republican Party.

“There are so many things out there that cheapen life, and they’re looking for some meaning,” said the Rev. Jim Lisante of Our Lady of the Lourdes Church in Massapequa Park, New York. He spoke with NewsNation’s Leland Vittert on Monday, saying he thinks the church provides that to the younger generation.

“I think for many, many young people today, they are saying, ‘Everything I’ve been promised that would give my life meaning has not given my life meaning, and maybe there is a deeper spiritual reality I should explore.'”

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In Washington, D.C., Catholics hold a significant number of influential positions. Catholics make up a majority of the Supreme Court, and more than a third of President Donald Trump’s second-term Cabinet. Vice President J.D. Vance is among the most prominent Catholic figures in the administration and recently released a book about his faith journey titled “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith.”

Lisante believes many Catholic Democrats are turning away from the party because their values no longer align with the party’s political views.

“They look at some of the issues promoted by the Republicans, or what some people call the MAGAs,” Lisante said, “and they say I’m much more comfortable there. … There are so many issues in which the concerns of the Catholic Church and those promoted by the administration are somewhat similar.”

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While some believe religion has no place in politics, Lisante believes the two go hand in hand.

“I’ve never met anyone who is hurt by having a deep and abiding faith,” he said. “There’s lots of room for dialogue, and in the church, we have people who would call themselves extreme left and extreme right. The greatness of the very meaning of the word Catholic is universal. Everybody’s invited, everybody’s part of the family.”

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