Vatican Statistics on Catholic Population and Missionaries
According to the Vatican's missionary news agency Fides, the number of Catholic priests and religious is declining, while the number of lay missionaries, catechists, and permanent deacons is increasing.
In anticipation of World Mission Sunday, celebrated on October 19, the Vatican shared statistics on the Catholic population and church personnel. As of June 30, 2023, the number of Catholics worldwide was over 1.4 billion, representing an increase of 15.8 million from the previous year.
Pope Leo XIV encouraged all Catholics to mark World Mission Sunday with their prayers and financial support for the Church’s missionary work.
- The number of Catholics increased in every continent, including Europe, which had previously reported a decline from 2021 to 2022.
- The increase in lay missionaries, catechists, and permanent deacons highlights a shift in the Church's missionary work.
Author's summary: Vatican statistics show a decline in priests and religious, but an increase in lay missionaries and Catholics worldwide.
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