Facebook's Zuckerberg, once atheist, now says ‘religion is very important’

Zuckerberg’s wife, Priscilla Chan, practices Buddhism.

By JTA

JANUARY 1, 2017 21:51

Updated: JANUARY 2, 2017 12:13

Creator of Facebook and expectant father Mark Zuckerberg (photo credit: GUILLAUME PAUMIER, CC-BY.) — Creator of Facebook and expectant father Mark Zuckerberg

(photo credit: GUILLAUME PAUMIER, CC-BY.)

Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in a post on his social media network that while he once questioned his Jewish upbringing, he now believes that “religion is very important.”

The post came after he wished his followers a “Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah” on December 25, according to reports over the weekend.

Zuckerberg once identified himself as an atheist.

In response to a comment which said “But aren’t you an atheist,” Zuckerberg replied: “No. I was raised Jewish and then I went through a period where I questioned things, but now I believe religion is very important.”

Pope meets Mark Zuckerberg at Vatican

Zuckerberg’s wife, Priscilla Chan, practices Buddhism. The couple met with Pope Francis at the Vatican last summer.