A new Pew Research Center study reveals that 20% of Americans identify as Catholic, but most do not fully observe core religious practices. While about half of Catholics pray daily, only 28% attend Mass weekly, and just 23% go to confession annually. A mere 13% do all three. The decline in participation is most pronounced among White Catholics, reflecting broader trends that have persisted over several decades.
Generational Shifts and Political Factors Fuel Disengagement
Sociologist Melissa Wilde notes that Catholic disaffiliation has grown steeper in the last decade. Many raised Catholic are no longer raising their children in the church. Traditional assumptions that people would return to church when married or parenting are proving false. Wilde attributes this to the younger generations’ liberal leanings and disillusionment with the political stances of religious institutions.
Some Parishes Buck the Trend with Youth Engagement
Despite national trends, St. Charles Catholic Church in Arlington, Virginia, shows signs of vitality. The Rev. Donald J. Planty Jr. reports that post-pandemic attendance has increased, particularly among young adults. Two-thirds of the church’s 4,000 members are in their 20s and 30s, with high levels of participation and commitment. The parish also welcomed 29 new converts and saw two of its members ordained as priests.
Pope Leo XIV’s Impact Remains Unclear
The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first North American pope, introduces potential change. Wilde doubts that his leadership will spark a revival, suggesting that his critiques of U.S. conservatism may alienate existing adherents. However, social ethicist Nicholas Hayes-Mota believes Leo’s influence depends on the response and public reception of U.S. Catholic leaders.
Cultural Catholicism Persists, Especially Among Hispanics
Nearly half of Americans report some connection to Catholicism, whether through family, marriage, or ethnicity. Cultural Catholics rarely participate in the sacraments, yet they retain a strong sense of identity. Hispanic Catholics, who make up 40% of the U.S. Catholic population, engage in above-average devotional practices like wearing religious items and praying the rosary. Converts, though few, often match or exceed cradle Catholics in religious devotion.
Source:
Many U.S. Catholics don’t fully practice their faith. Could Pope Leo’s papacy change that?
Image: Pamela Reynoso
About Post Author
