Vatican Statistics Show Fewer Priests, More Lay Missionaries
The Vatican's missionary news agency, Fides, shared statistics about the Catholic population, church personnel, and their activities.
In anticipation of World Mission Sunday, celebrated on October 19, Fides released data showing a decline in the number of Catholic priests and religious, while the number of lay missionaries, catechists, and permanent deacons continues to increase.
Pope Leo XIV, who served as a missionary in Peru, encouraged all Catholics to mark World Mission Sunday with prayers and financial support for the church's missionary work.
As of June 30, 2023, the number of Catholics worldwide was over 1.4 billion, representing a 15% increase, according to Fides.
Key statistics include:
- Over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide as of June 30, 2023
- Decline in the number of Catholic priests and religious
- Increase in the number of lay missionaries, catechists, and permanent deacons
Author's summary: Vatican statistics reveal a shift in church personnel.