A member of the Pontifical Swiss Guard is silhouetted during a Holy Mass, held every year on the third Sunday of January to celebrate and study the Word of God, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, January 23, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Pope Francis leads the Holy Mass held every year on the third Sunday of January to celebrate and study the Word of God, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, January 23, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli 

Pope Francis celebrates a Holy Mass, held every year on the third Sunday of January to celebrate and study the Word of God, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, January 23, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli 

A member of the Pontifical Swiss Guard keeps watch during a Holy Mass, held every year on the third Sunday of January to celebrate and study the Word of God, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, January 23, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli 

A clergy member adjusts Pope Francis's skullcap at a Holy Mass, held every year on the third Sunday of January to celebrate and study the Word of God, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, January 23, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli 

Pope Francis celebrates a Holy Mass, held every year on the third Sunday of January to celebrate and study the Word of God, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, January 23, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli 

Pope Francis celebrates a Holy Mass, held every year on the third Sunday of January to celebrate and study the Word of God, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, January 23, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli 

Pope Francis celebrates a Holy Mass, held every year on the third Sunday of January to celebrate and study the Word of God, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, January 23, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli 

Pope Francis celebrates a Holy Mass, held every year on the third Sunday of January to celebrate and study the Word of God, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, January 23, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli 

Pope Francis arrives for a Holy Mass, held every year on the third Sunday of January to celebrate and study the Word of God, in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, January 23, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli 

Shiite clerics study inside the shrine of Imam Ali ,on the first time of religious school called (al-Hawza al-Ilmiyyah) reopening since the the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, ,in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq November 10, 2021. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani 

Shiite clerics study inside the shrine of Imam Ali ,on the first time of religious school called (al-Hawza al-Ilmiyyah) reopening since the the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, ,in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq November 10, 2021. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani 

Shiite clerics study inside the shrine of Imam Ali ,on the first time of religious school called (al-Hawza al-Ilmiyyah) reopening since the the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, ,in the holy city of Najaf, Iraq November 10, 2021. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Marjani 

Palestinian grandmother Jihad Butto, 85, celebrates obtaining a bachelor's degree in religious studies with her family at her home in Nazareth, Israel October 9, 2021. Picture taken on October 9, 2021. REUTERS/Ammar Awad 

Palestinian grandmother Jihad Butto, 85, reviews her university notes, after obtaining a bachelor's degree in religious studies, at her home in Nazareth, Israel October 8, 2021. Picture taken on October 8, 2021. REUTERS/Ammar Awad TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Palestinian grandmother Jihad Butto, 85, uses her laptop, after obtaining a bachelor's degree in religious studies, at her home, in Nazareth, Israel October 8, 2021. Picture taken October 8, 2021. REUTERS/Ammar Awad 

An Ultra Orthodox Jewish man sits in a religious study room in Jerusalem July 25, 2021. Picture taken on July 25, 2021 REUTERS/ Ronen Zvulun 

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man studies in a Yeshiva, or Jewish seminary, equipped with partitions to protect against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in the Mea Shearim neighbourhood of Jerusalem March 2, 2021. Picture taken March 2, 2021. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun 

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man studies in a Yeshiva, or Jewish seminary, equipped with partitions to protect against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in the Mea Shearim neighbourhood of Jerusalem March 2, 2021. Picture taken March 2, 2021. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

A Buddhist monk studies in his tent at Wat Molilokayaram monastic educational institute during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Bangkok, Thailand January 7, 2021. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun 

Elisa Dossena, 23, a student, poses for a photo on a street in Crema, Italy, December 15, 2020. While Dossena was studying in Milan, COVID-19 began ravaging her family and relatives in the town of Crema about 50 km (30 miles) away in Italy's first "red zone" in the northern Lombardy region. She returned home to help. Both her 59-year-old aunt and her 90-year-old grandmother succumbed to other illnesses and died after the virus weakened them. Her father had severe breathing difficulties, although it was never determined if COVID-19 was the cause. "I had to take care of the house, I had to manage everything for everyone because my mother was busy looking after my father, busy with my grandma, helping my cousin when her parents were ill. So I felt a lot of pressure, a lot of responsibility," she said. "It was a very negative period for me. But it also made me grow a lot," said Dossena. After a three-month lockdown in June, restrictions were lifted and Dossena could see her friends again. "People don't trust shaking hands, hugging or meeting new people," she said. "When I entered a closed space. I could feel the palpitations, the anxiety ... surely something changed." She is now studying remotely for a masters degree in management and hoping for just a bit of normality in 2021. "I hope people can leave their homes freely. I hope it will be possible to go for a coffee with friends at the bar. I hope it will be possible to return to school desks, places of work and university," she said. "I don't ask a lot but I hope for this." REUTERS/Flavio Lo Scalzo SEARCH "GEN-Z COVID-19" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Galina Akselrod-Golikova, 23, poses for a photograph by the gates to the courtyard of her apartment block in Moscow, Russia, December 14, 2020. In early 2020, Akselrod-Golikova was preparing to travel from Moscow to Italy for a marketing and PR job at the Venice biennale's Russian pavilion. She couldn't wait to start. The dream never happened: the whole event was postponed, the job disappeared and, instead of travelling abroad, she ended up isolated from her friends and family in an apartment in Moscow as a tough lockdown suddenly began in April. The shock upset her deeply. She fretted so much that she developed stress-induced health issues. In time though, she said she was relieved to have a chance to refocus her life and have time to think. She said she slowed down for the first time and put her energy into decorating the apartment where she lives with her boyfriend with stylish ornaments, antique furniture and flower arrangements. "This year was the first time I started to devote so much time to my home, to buying some little things, and to stay there and to think about my space and to express myself through it," she said. She has not rushed to get a new job, and with time to reflect she has realised that she wants to enrol for a masters degree in food studies in Rome next year. Despite the upheaval, Akselrod-Golikova believes that the pandemic has brought many positive things into her life, though she acknowledges it was easier for younger people to adjust quickly. "I've started to appreciate my time as a resource and to devote it to my family, to my friends and to spend more time with them, including getting to know my parents and friends in new ways," she said. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov SEARCH "GEN-Z COVID-19" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Abdullah El-Berry, 22, a trainee sports journalist, poses for a photograph on a street in Cairo, Egypt, December 20, 2020. Berry entered 2020 thinking life would be tough. A severe knee injury needed daily physiotherapy and seriously affected his three-hour commute to Cairo from his home in the Delta city of Shebine al-Qanatir. After the pandemic hit, he could not continue physiotherapy as Egypt's hospitals were overrun with patients. He could not present his graduation project or attend his long-awaited graduation ceremony. The suspension of sports made it near impossible to do his job. And his daily commute was thrown in disarray by night curfews. Now, he believes 2021 will be even tougher. Paid very little as a trainee at a state-owned newspaper, the young graduate worries he will struggle to find a proper job. "We already suffer to find a job," he said. "Now, many people lost their jobs due to coronavirus and the economic crisis. It will definitely impact us all." Berry believes social distancing and wearing masks will continue to control lives in 2021, and make young people of his generation less likely to travel and explore new opportunities. His wishlist for 2021 includes advancing his career and resuming work on a YouTube channel he abandoned due to his studies and coronavirus. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany SEARCH "GEN-Z COVID-19" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Solene Tissot, 19, a university student who studies at the Sciences Po, poses for a photograph on a street in Paris, France, December 11, 2020. Tissot, who moved to Paris two years ago to study at the Sciences-Po university, is now seeing a psychologist. She has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorder, conditions she says were triggered by the loneliness brought on by COVID-19 lockdowns. Tissot no longer attends lectures in person because her university has cancelled them. Movement restrictions often make it unlawful for her to visit friends at home. She has not seen her grandparents in a year. Her course requires her to do an internship. But with many firms operating remotely, she is struggling to find somewhere to take her. Next year, she was due to do a study year in Lebanon - where her boyfriend lives - but it's unclear if travel restrictions will allow it. Once she graduates, finding work will be harder because of COVID-19. Tissot though, is looking to the future. She is learning Arabic, in preparation for the trip to Lebanon she hopes will go ahead. "What I hope for is also that we can go back to a life that is a bit more normal, and that means being able to see friends without it being illegal to go to their place," she said. "It's true that 2020 didn't leave much room for good cheer, and I would like to have that again." REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes SEARCH "GEN-Z COVID-19" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Lee Ga-hyeon, 17, a high school student and a fan of the K-pop boyband BTS, poses for a photograph on a street in Cheonan, South Korea, December 16, 2020. Lee has a big wish for 2021 - to finally escape her bedroom in a city about 100 km (60 miles) from Seoul and see her pop idols BTS in person at a live event. "BTS is like a vitamin for me, but the coronavirus took it from me which made me really angry," said Lee. The pandemic forced BTS to cancel a world tour in 2020 that would have taken the seven-member band through Asia, Europe and the United States, and its New Year's Eve concert will be online. For Lee, there were no more trips to Seoul to see concerts and hang out with friends, and instead life has gone largely online, where South Korea's hyper-connectivity helped her host a YouTube channel showcasing BTS events from the past three years. It was a year that reminded her how special it was to have friends even though they remained apart. But it left her hoping that the new year will allow her to pursue her dream of studying mass communications and law at university. "Last year I spent a lot of time chatting with friends face-to-face on break time and lunch time, but I couldn't do it at all this year," said Lee. "I finally realized how precious that time was." REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji SEARCH "GEN-Z COVID-19" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Valeria Murguia, 21, a university student, poses for a photograph in a field near her home in McFarland, California, U.S., December 17, 2020. Murguia was finishing her junior year at California State University, Fresno, studying communications and working part time at the campus health centre when the pandemic hit. All of a sudden, classes went online and her modest income from crafting social media messages to help students stay healthy evaporated. Living in Fresno, a fast-growing city where housing costs were rising, became too expensive, so within a few weeks Murguia found herself back home with her parents in the small farming town of McFarland. At home, Murguia concentrated on schoolwork, and on skills she would need after graduation: she learned how to build websites, improved her graphic design proficiency and studied event planning. She also worked with her parents, both immigrants from Mexico, picking grapes in California's Central Valley vineyards. "It made people more serious," she said of the pandemic, "not so loosey-goosey ... It's going to for sure leave a mark on our generation." Murguia will graduate in May into a tight job market. Even so, Murguia is optimistic about her post-pandemic future. "I'm really staying positive, because if I start looking at the negative things, I just start playing games in my head," she said. "And I don't want to end in that space." REUTERS/Brandon Bell SEARCH "GEN-Z COVID-19" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Israeli Jewish worshippers study in a seminar which is fitted with plastic sheets to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ashdod, Israel September 16, 2020 REUTERS/ Amir Cohen 

Israeli Jewish worshippers study in a seminar which is fitted with plastic sheets to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ashdod, Israel September 16, 2020 REUTERS/ Amir Cohen 

Israeli Jewish worshippers study in a seminar which is fitted with plastic sheets to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ashdod, Israel September 16, 2020 REUTERS/ Amir Cohen 

Israeli Jewish worshippers study in a seminar which is fitted with plastic sheets to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ashdod, Israel September 16, 2020 REUTERS/ Amir Cohen 

Israeli Jewish worshippers study in a seminar which is fitted with plastic sheets to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ashdod, Israel September 16, 2020 REUTERS/ Amir Cohen 

Israeli Jewish worshippers study in a seminar which is fitted with plastic sheets to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ashdod, Israel September 16, 2020 REUTERS/ Amir Cohen 

Israeli Jewish worshippers study in a seminar which is fitted with plastic sheets to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Ashdod, Israel September 16, 2020 REUTERS/ Amir Cohen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Priest Xia Shiran, 25, sweeps stairs on the day of Hungry Ghost Festival, at Taoist monastery Jiuyang Palace, in Laiwu of Jinan city, Shandong province, China, September 2, 2020. Shiran encountered priest Liang Xingyang's Weibo channel. He was surprised that a Taoist priest could be so active on social media. Out of curiosity, he started to learn more about him. In 2015, he was converted to Taoism and two years later he started living in the temple. "Almost everyone has a fantasy about Taoist life as if priests don't ever eat or walk, or don't use money. After I became one, I realized that they are normal people, and everyone is just studying non-stop," Shiran said. "From here above we can see the downhill villages. It's definitely more convenient to eat and commute in the city. However they might dream of better air quality, slower pace of life and quieter natural environment we have up here. When life on the mountain becomes hard, I think of those who envy our lives. Everyone has different moments of happiness and comfort though each of us envies others." REUTERS/Tingshu Wang SEARCH "TAOISM TINGSHU" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Priest Deng Shiquan, 28, a former restaurant worker, pushes a shopping cart next to priest Cao Shijing, 45, outside a supermarket after buying groceries to take to the Jiuyang Palace, a Taoist monastery, in Yangli county, in Laiwu of Jinan city, Shandong province, China, September 6, 2020. Shiquan converted to Taoism in 2015. "I have never been the Type A student, nor the type who acquired a high academic degree. I don't have any specialty or a clever mind. But by following my master Liang, I can feel myself improving, in studying knowledge and socializing with people," Shiquan said. "It's enough for us as long as we run our Taoist rites well, complete things we are obliged to do. I don't know how to say pretty words, but only know one simple thing, which is to always give a hand to those who are in need." REUTERS/Tingshu Wang SEARCH "TAOISM TINGSHU" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Priest Shang Shishen, 27, carries a basket with food as he climbs up the stairs leading to Taoist temple Jiuyang Palace, in Laiwu of Jinan city, Shandong province, China, September 6, 2020. Shishen is a priest studying his second year at a Taoist college at Wudang Mountain in Hubei province. He is an apprentice of Priest Liang Xingyang. Shishen came to the Jiuyang palace during his summer vacation and to help out in the monastery. "Different person turns to Taoism due to different reasons. Some are hoping to cut off the tie with the real world to experience themselves, some for their interests in Taoism," Shishen said. "I was drawn to it, in hoping to seek answers about life and death. My family member's passing away has stricken me hard. Since then, I wanted to know more about the life and death, and religion is my way leading to that." REUTERS/Tingshu Wang SEARCH "TAOISM TINGSHU" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Priest Xia Shiran, 25, holds scripture books and offerings in preparation for a memorial ceremony on the day of Hungry Ghost Festival, at Taoist temple Jiuyang Palace, in Laiwu of Jinan city, Shandong province, China, September 2, 2020. Shiran encountered priest Liang Xingyang's Weibo channel. He was surprised that a Taoist priest could be so active on social media. Out of curiosity, he started to learn more about him. In 2015, he was converted to Taoism and two years later he started living in the temple. "Almost everyone has a fantasy about Taoist life as if priests don't ever eat or walk, or don't use money. After I became one, I realized that they are normal people, and everyone is just studying non-stop," Shiran said. "From here above we can see the downhill villages. It's definitely more convenient to eat and commute in the city. However they might dream of better air quality, slower pace of life and quieter natural environment we have up here. When life on the mountain becomes hard, I think of those who envy our lives. Everyone has different moments of happiness and comfort though each of us envies others." REUTERS/Tingshu Wang SEARCH "TAOISM TINGSHU" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Priest Zhang Zongyan, 27, a politics study graduate, looks at an instruction of pesticide that priest Deng Shiquan (R2), 28, a former restaurant worker, bought in Yangli county as Priest Xia Shiran (L), 25, stands by, at Taoist temple Jiuyang Palace, in Laiwu of Jinan city, Shandong province, China, September 6, 2020. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang SEARCH "TAOISM TINGSHU" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Priest Zhang Zongyan, 27, a politics study graduate, arranges memorial tablets at Taoist temple Jiuyang Palace, in Laiwu of Jinan city, Shandong province, China, September 7, 2020. During her studies, Zongyan unexpectedly encountered a Taoist ceremony on her trip. She visited a Taoist temple where she first experienced Taoist music and dance. She was fascinated by the rhythm and costumes. After her graduation, Zongyan worked for a year but more she learned about the Taoism, the more she was drawn to it. She then made her mind to quit her job and focus on studying Taoism. Five years ago, Zongyan was converted to Taoism in her home town. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang SEARCH "TAOISM TINGSHU" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Priest Xia Shiran, 25, chants and dances at a memorial ceremony during Hungry Ghost Festival celebrations at Taoist temple Jiuyang Palace, in Laiwu of Jinan city, Shandong province, China, September 1, 2020. Shiran encountered priest Liang Xingyang's Weibo channel. He was surprised that a Taoist priest could be so active on social media. Out of curiosity, he started to learn more about him. In 2015, he was converted to Taoism and two years later he started living in the temple. "Almost everyone has a fantasy about Taoist life as if priests don't ever eat or walk, or don't use money. After I became one, I realized that they are normal people, and everyone is just studying non-stop," Shiran said. "From here above we can see the downhill villages. It's definitely more convenient to eat and commute in the city. However they might dream of better air quality, slower pace of life and quieter natural environment we have up here. When life on the mountain becomes hard, I think of those who envy our lives. Everyone has different moments of happiness and comfort though each of us envies others." REUTERS/Tingshu Wang SEARCH "TAOISM TINGSHU" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Priest Xia Shiran, 25, chants during a memorial ceremony at Taoist temple Jiuyang Palace, in Laiwu of Jinan, Shandong province, China, September 6, 2020. Shiran encountered priest Liang Xingyang's Weibo channel. He was surprised that a Taoist priest could be so active on social media. Out of curiosity, he started to learn more about him. In 2015, he was converted to Taoism and two years later he started living in the temple. "Almost everyone has a fantasy about Taoist life as if priests don't ever eat or walk, or don't use money. After I became one, I realized that they are normal people, and everyone is just studying non-stop," Shiran said. "From here above we can see the downhill villages. It's definitely more convenient to eat and commute in the city. However they might dream of better air quality, slower pace of life and quieter natural environment we have up here. When life on the mountain becomes hard, I think of those who envy our lives. Everyone has different moments of happiness and comfort though each of us envies others." REUTERS/Tingshu Wang SEARCH "TAOISM TINGSHU" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Priest Xia Shiran, 25, prepares for a memorial ceremony on the day of Hungry Ghost Festival, at Taoist temple Jiuyang Palace, in Laiwu of Jinan city, Shandong province, China, September 2, 2020. Shiran encountered priest Liang Xingyang's Weibo channel. He was surprised that a Taoist priest could be so active on social media. Out of curiosity, he started to learn more about him. In 2015, he was converted to Taoism and two years later he started living in the temple. "Almost everyone has a fantasy about Taoist life as if priests don't ever eat or walk, or don't use money. After I became one, I realized that they are normal people, and everyone is just studying non-stop," Shiran said. "From here above we can see the downhill villages. It's definitely more convenient to eat and commute in the city. However they might dream of better air quality, slower pace of life and quieter natural environment we have up here. When life on the mountain becomes hard, I think of those who envy our lives. Everyone has different moments of happiness and comfort though each of us envies others." REUTERS/Tingshu Wang SEARCH "TAOISM TINGSHU" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Priest Shang Shishen, 27, puts on a jumper, a souvenir from Jiuyang Palace Taoist temple, before he leaves for a Taoist school, at Jiuyang Palace, in Laiwu of Jinan city, Shandong province, China, September 7, 2020. Shishen is a priest studying his second year at a Taoist college at Wudang Mountain in Hubei province. He is an apprentice of Priest Liang Xingyang. Shishen came to the Jiuyang palace during his summer vacation and to help out in the monastery. "Different person turns to Taoism due to different reasons. Some are hoping to cut off the tie with the real world to experience themselves, some for their interests in Taoism," Shishen said. "I was drawn to it, in hoping to seek answers about life and death. My family member's passing away has stricken me hard. Since then, I wanted to know more about the life and death, and religion is my way leading to that." REUTERS/Tingshu Wang SEARCH "TAOISM TINGSHU" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Priest Zhang Zongyan, 27, a politics study graduate, dances at a memorial ceremony during Hungry Ghost Festival celebrations, at Taoist temple Jiuyang Palace, in Laiwu of Jinan city, Shandong province, China, September 1, 2020. During her studies, Zongyan unexpectedly encountered a Taoist ceremony on her trip. She visited a Taoist temple where she first experienced Taoist music and dance. She was fascinated by the rhythm and costumes. After her graduation, Zongyan worked for a year but more she learned about the Taoism, the more she was drawn to it. She then made her mind to quit her job and focus on studying Taoism. Five years ago, Zongyan was converted to Taoism in her home town. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang SEARCH "TAOISM TINGSHU" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Priest Zhang Zongyan, 27, a politics study graduate, plays dulcimer during at Taoist temple Jiuyang Palace, in Laiwu of Jinan city, Shandong province, China, September 1, 2020. During her studies, Zongyan unexpectedly encountered a Taoist ceremony on her trip. She visited a Taoist temple where she first experienced Taoist music and dance. She was fascinated by the rhythm and costumes. After her graduation, Zongyan worked for a year but more she learned about the Taoism, the more she was drawn to it. She then made her mind to quit her job and focus on studying Taoism. Five years ago, Zongyan was converted to Taoism in her home town. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang SEARCH "TAOISM TINGSHU" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Priest Deng Shiquan, 28, a former restaurant worker, uses laptop at the office of Taoist temple Jiuyang Palace, in Laiwu of Jinan city, Shandong province, China, September 2, 2020. Shiquan converted to Taoism in 2015. "I have never been the Type A student, nor the type who acquired a high academic degree. I don't have any specialty or a clever mind. But by following my master Liang, I can feel myself improving, in studying knowledge and socializing with people," Shiquan said. "It's enough for us as long as we run our Taoist rites well, complete things we are obliged to do. I don't know how to say pretty words, but only know one simple thing, which is to always give a hand to those who are in need." REUTERS/Tingshu Wang SEARCH "TAOISM TINGSHU" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Priest Zhang Zongyan, 27, a politics study graduate, points a thermometer at priest Xia Shiran, 25, for fun at Taoist temple Jiuyang Palace, in Laiwu of Jinan city, Shandong province, China, September 7, 2020. During her studies, Zongyan unexpectedly encountered a Taoist ceremony on her trip. She visited a Taoist temple where she first experienced Taoist music and dance. She was fascinated by the rhythm and costumes. After her graduation, Zongyan worked for a year but more she learned about the Taoism, the more she was drawn to it. She then made her mind to quit her job and focus on studying Taoism. Five years ago, Zongyan was converted to Taoism in her home town. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang SEARCH "TAOISM TINGSHU" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Priest Xia Shiran, 25, takes off his socks before bedtime in his bedroom inside Taoist temple Jiuyang Palace, in Laiwu of Jinan city, Shandong province, China, September 6, 2020. Shiran encountered priest Liang Xingyang's Weibo channel. He was surprised that a Taoist priest could be so active on social media. Out of curiosity, he started to learn more about him. In 2015, he was converted to Taoism and two years later he started living in the temple. "Almost everyone has a fantasy about Taoist life as if priests don't ever eat or walk, or don't use money. After I became one, I realized that they are normal people, and everyone is just studying non-stop," Shiran said. "From here above we can see the downhill villages. It's definitely more convenient to eat and commute in the city. However they might dream of better air quality, slower pace of life and quieter natural environment we have up here. When life on the mountain becomes hard, I think of those who envy our lives. Everyone has different moments of happiness and comfort though each of us envies others." REUTERS/Tingshu Wang SEARCH "TAOISM TINGSHU" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Priest Chen Hongyu (R) and priest Shang Shishen, 27, (L4) bow to priest Liang Xingyang as they leave the temple for returning a Taoist college for the new semester, at the entrance of Taoist temple Jiuyang Palace, in Laiwu of Jinan city, Shandong province, China, September 7, 2020. Shishen is a priest studying his second year at a Taoist college at Wudang Mountain in Hubei province. He is an apprentice of Priest Liang Xingyang. Shishen came to the Jiuyang Palace during his summer vacation and to help out in the monastery. "Different person turns to Taoism due to different reasons. Some are hoping to cut off the tie with the real world to experience themselves, some for their interests in Taoism," Shishen said. "I was drawn to it, in hoping to seek answers about life and death. My family member's passing away has stricken me hard. Since then, I wanted to know more about the life and death, and religion is my way leading to that." REUTERS/Tingshu Wang SEARCH "TAOISM TINGSHU" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES 

Jewish seminary students study at desks fitted with plastic sheets to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Sderot, Israel August 26, 2020 REUTERS/ Ronen Zvulun 

Jewish seminary students study at desks fitted with plastic sheets to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Sderot, Israel August 26, 2020 REUTERS/ Ronen Zvulun 

Jewish seminary students study and pray at desks fitted with plastic sheets to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Sderot, Israel August 26, 2020 REUTERS/ Ronen Zvulun 

Jewish seminary students study at desks fitted with plastic sheets to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Sderot, Israel August 26, 2020 REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Jewish seminary students study at desks fitted with plastic sheets to protect them from the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Sderot, Israel August 26, 2020 REUTERS/ Ronen Zvulun 

Jiho Yoshimizu helps Vietnamese migrant worker studying Japanese language, who lost their jobs amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at a Buddhist temple which has turned into a shelter for young Vietnamese migrant workers in Tokyo, Japan, July 2, 2020. Picture taken July 2, 2020. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon 

A Vietnamese migrant worker who lost her job amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, studies Japanese language at a Buddhist temple which has turned into a shelter for young Vietnamese migrant workers in Tokyo, Japan, July 2, 2020. Picture taken July 2, 2020. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon 

Jiho Yoshimizu takes a selfie with a Vietnamese migrant worker who lost her job amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, while she helps the migrant worker studying Japanese language at a Buddhist temple which has turned into a shelter for young Vietnamese migrant workers in Tokyo, Japan, July 2, 2020. Picture taken July 2, 2020. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon 

A volunteer holds a Study Bible at a drive-thru prayer on National Day of Prayer at Rolling Hills Covenant Church during the global outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Lomita, California, U.S., May 7, 2020. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni 

Members of the Muslim community in Colombia pray during a condolence ceremony for Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a airstrike near Baghdad, at a religious studies center in Bogota, Colombia January 7, 2020. REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez 

Members of the Muslim community in Colombia pray during a condolence ceremony for Iranian Major-General Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a airstrike near Baghdad, at a religious studies center in Bogota, Colombia January 7, 2020. REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez