As the conclave for a new pope begins, U.S. Catholicism faces significant identity shifts. Research indicates a decline in those who prioritize faith, dropping from nearly 50% in 1987 to 37%. A growing number of American Catholics are leaving the Church or converting to other religions, with a Pew study revealing that for every new convert, 8.4 individuals exit Catholicism. The Church's demographic stability relies heavily on Catholic immigrants, even as long-time congregants diminish in number and influence.
According to a Pew Research Center study conducted in 2024, for every American who converts to Catholicism, another 8.4 leave, reflecting a significant decline.
Collection
[
|
...
]