Mark Zuckerberg says he is NOT an atheist and believes 'religion is important'

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Facebook founder dispelled doubts on his religious beliefs on Christmas Day
Had written a post wishing his followers merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah
Someone responded by asking Zuckerberg: 'But aren't you atheist?' [sic]
Zuckerberg replied saying he had 'questioned things' at one point but said he wasn't an atheist and pointed out he was raised Jewish
He did not however specify what he believes in and whether he practices any specific religion

Published: 16:17 EST, 30 December 2016 | Updated: 20:32 EST, 30 December 2016

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Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has clarified that he is not an atheist, ending years of speculation about his religious beliefs.

The revelation came in a comment underneath a post Zuckerberg originally posted on Christmas Day, wishing his followers a merry Christmas and a happy Hanukkah.

Someone asked: 'But aren't you atheist [sic]?' prompting Zuckerberg to say he was not and that he believes religion to be 'very important'.

Zuckerberg, who was raised Jewish, has cultivated an interest in Buddhism through his wife and met the Pope last summer, did not elaborate on his beliefs and did not explicitly say if he subscribed to a specific movement.

Mark Zuckerberg said in a Facebook post on Christmas Day that he is not an atheist as many thought, and revealed that after a period of questioning he believes religion is 'very important'

The revelation came underneath a post in which Zuckerberg wished his followers a merry Christmas and a happy Hanukkah on December 25

Zuckerberg (pictured meeting the Pope with his wife Priscilla Chan in August) did not say whether he practices a specific religion but pointed out he was raised Jewish

The tech billionaire acknowledged that he went through a time when he 'questioned things' as he tried to figure out his stance on religion.

'I was raised Jewish and then I went through a period where I questioned things, but now I believe religion is very important,' he wrote.

His original Christmas Day post wished his followers merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah from himself, his wife Priscilla Chan, their one-year-old daughter Max and their dog Beast.

'Seeing the moments of joy and family shared on Facebook today is one of my favorite things about our community,' Zuckerberg wrote.

'I hope you're surrounded by friends and loved ones, and that you have a chance to reflect on all the meaningful things in your life.

'May the light of your friendships continue to brighten your life and our entire world.'

The tech billionaire (pictured with his wife and their one-year-old daughter Max on her birthday) also has an interest in Buddhism, which Chan practices

Zuckerberg's wife practices Buddhism, a religion that Zuckerberg explored further last year during a trip to China.

'I had the opportunity to visit Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an and offer a prayer for peace and health for the world and for my family,' Zuckerberg wrote while sharing a photo of himself praying and kneeling in front of the Buddhist landmark.

After a period during which he 'questioned things', Zuckerberg feels that religion is an important part of life

'Priscilla is Buddhist and asked me to offer a prayer from her as well. Buddhism is an amazing religion and philosophy, and I have been learning more about it over time. I hope to continue understanding the faith more deeply.'

Zuckerberg and Chan met Pope Francis at the Vatican this summer and on that occasion too shared a heartfelt message.

'We told him how much we admire his message of mercy and tenderness, and how he's found new ways to communicate with people of every faith around the world, Zuckerberg wrote.

'We also discussed the importance of connecting people, especially in parts of the world without internet access.

'We gave him a model of Aquila, our solar-powered aircraft that will beam internet connectivity to places that don't have it. And we shared our work with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to help people around the world.

'It was a meeting we'll never forget. You can feel his warmth and kindness, and how deeply he cares about helping people.'

Zuckerberg explored Buddhism further last year during a trip to China. He posted this photo of himself last year praying in front of a Buddhist pagoda