Pope Francis’ visit to the United States

Pope Francis‘ visit to the United States (from the 22nd to the 27th) has sparked a wide range of conversations about Americans’ faith. What is the country’s largest religious group? How do people feel about hot-button issues like abortion and same-sex marriage?

One of the most significant and well-documented shifts over the past decade has been the steady rise of people with no religious affiliation—from 16% in 2007 to 23% in 2014. Here are 10 key findings from the Pew Research Center that provide a snapshot of religion in the U.S.:

1. Protestants are no longer the majority among U.S. adults. The decline in Christianity, including Protestantism, is closely linked to the rise of people who identify as having “no” religion. The U.S. has long been a majority-Protestant nation. In 2007, a Pew Research study found that 51.3% of American adults identified as Protestant. By 2014, that number had dropped to 46.5%.
2. Changing religions is common in the U.S. Depending on how “religious switching” is defined, about 42% of American adults have changed their religious affiliation. This includes movement between Protestant traditions, but even when considering Protestantism as a single group, about one-third of Americans (34%) now identify with a different religious group than the one they were raised in.
3. There is significant racial and ethnic diversity among religious groups in the U.S. Seventh-day Adventists, Muslims, and Jehovah’s Witnesses are among the most racially and ethnically diverse religious groups in the country. Meanwhile, the least diverse groups include the National Baptist Convention, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
4. Before Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical was published in June, Catholics’ views on climate change mirrored those of Americans in general—marked by strong partisan divides. About 60% of Democratic Catholics believe humans are responsible for global warming and consider it a serious problem, while only a quarter of Republican Catholics share that view.
5. Around one in five Americans share their faith online in a typical week. This is about the same percentage as those who listen to religious radio programs, watch religious TV shows, or listen to Christian rock music.
6. Support for same-sex marriage is growing. In 2015, 55% of U.S. adults supported same-sex marriage, which became legal nationwide after a Supreme Court ruling in June. That’s a 20-percentage-point increase over the past decade. Among religious groups, evangelical Protestants are the least supportive (24%), while those with no religious affiliation are the most supportive (82%).
7. Religious freedom or discrimination? A 2014 survey found Americans were divided on whether businesses involved in weddings should have the right to refuse service to same-sex couples for religious reasons—47% said businesses should be allowed to refuse, while 49% said they should be required to serve all customers.
8. Views on abortion have remained largely stable over the past two decades. A majority of Americans (55%) believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while four in ten think it should be illegal in all or most cases.
9. Church attendance is a strong predictor of voting behavior. In the 2014 midterm elections, exit polls showed that those who attended religious services at least weekly voted Republican over Democrat for the House of Representatives by a margin of 58% to 40%. Meanwhile, those who never attend services leaned heavily Democratic (62% vs. 36%).
10. Christians still make up the vast majority of Congress (92%), compared to 71% of the general public (as of 2014). At the same time, while 23% of American adults have no religious affiliation, only one member of Congress—Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, a Democrat from Arizona—openly identifies as unaffiliated, making up just 0.2% of the legislative body.

Catholicism has played a significant role in the history and culture of the United States. For centuries, it has been a major religious force, influencing politics, education, and social values. However, in recent decades, the number of Americans identifying as Catholic has declined. This shift has raised an important question: Is Catholicism disappearing in the United States? While Catholicism remains one of the largest religious groups in the country, demographic shifts, cultural changes, and societal trends suggest that its influence is waning.

The Decline of Catholic Identification

Studies from the Pew Research Center and other organizations have shown a steady decline in the number of Americans who identify as Catholic. In the 1970s, about 25% of Americans identified as Catholic. That percentage remained relatively stable until the early 2000s, but since then, there has been a gradual decline. As of the latest surveys, Catholics make up approximately 20-22% of the U.S. population. While this is still a significant percentage, it represents a notable decrease over time.

The decline in Catholic identification is part of a broader trend of religious disaffiliation in the United States. Many Americans, particularly younger generations, are moving away from organized religion. The rise of the “nones”—those who identify as atheist, agnostic, or simply “nothing in particular”—has been one of the most significant religious shifts in recent history. In 2007, about 16% of Americans had no religious affiliation; by 2014, that number had risen to 23%, and it has continued to grow.

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Generational and Cultural Shifts

One of the primary reasons for the decline in Catholicism is generational change. Younger generations, particularly Millennials and Generation Z, are less likely to identify as Catholic or regularly attend church services. Many young people question traditional religious teachings and find organized religion less relevant to their daily lives.

Cultural shifts also play a role. American society has become increasingly secular, and issues such as same-sex marriage, abortion, and gender identity have caused divisions between traditional religious teachings and modern social values. Many Catholics, especially younger ones, struggle to reconcile their faith with contemporary views on these issues. As a result, some choose to leave the church altogether.

The Impact of Scandals

The Catholic Church has faced significant challenges due to scandals, particularly those involving sexual abuse by clergy members. These scandals, which have received widespread media attention, have eroded trust in the church and led many to disaffiliate. Some lifelong Catholics have distanced themselves from the church, while others have stopped practicing altogether.

The handling of these scandals by church leadership has also played a role in the decline. Many Catholics have been disappointed by what they see as inadequate responses to abuse cases, leading to a crisis of faith and trust in the institution.

The Role of Immigration

Despite these challenges, immigration has helped sustain Catholicism in the United States. A significant portion of the Catholic population is made up of Hispanic immigrants, particularly from Mexico and Central America. In fact, Hispanic Catholics now represent a large percentage of the U.S. Catholic Church. Without immigration, the decline in Catholic identification would likely be even more pronounced.

However, even within the Hispanic community, there are signs of religious decline. Younger generations of Hispanic Americans are less likely to identify as Catholic compared to their parents and grandparents. Some shift toward Protestant evangelical churches, while others move away from religion entirely.

Church Attendance and Religious Practice

Religious identification is not the only measure of Catholicism’s strength. Church attendance and religious participation are also crucial factors. Studies show that regular Mass attendance has declined among American Catholics. While some continue to attend weekly services, many only go occasionally or for special occasions such as weddings, funerals, and holidays like Christmas and Easter.

The decline in church attendance is especially pronounced among younger Catholics. Many who still identify as Catholic do not practice the faith actively. This trend suggests that while Catholicism may not be disappearing entirely, it is becoming less central to the lives of many Americans.

The Political and Social Influence of Catholicism

Despite declining numbers, Catholicism still holds considerable political and social influence in the United States. Many prominent politicians, including President Joe Biden, identify as Catholic. The Supreme Court has had several Catholic justices, and Catholic social teaching continues to shape debates on issues such as abortion, social justice, and immigration policy.

Catholic institutions, including schools, universities, and charities, remain influential in American society. These institutions play a significant role in education and social services, serving millions of people across the country.

However, as fewer people actively participate in the faith, the long-term influence of Catholicism in the U.S. may diminish. If trends continue, Catholicism could become more of a cultural identity rather than a religious practice for many people.

Efforts to Revitalize Catholicism

The Catholic Church is aware of these challenges and has made efforts to revitalize faith among younger generations. Pope Francis has been a significant figure in engaging younger Catholics and addressing social issues in a way that resonates with modern audiences. His emphasis on social justice, environmental responsibility, and inclusivity has helped attract some people back to the faith.

Many Catholic parishes and organizations are also adapting to modern trends by embracing digital outreach, engaging with social media, and creating programs designed to connect with young adults. Some churches offer contemporary worship services, small faith groups, and community events to attract new members.

Is Catholicism Really Disappearing?

While Catholicism in the United States is declining, it is not disappearing. The faith still has a significant presence, and millions of Americans continue to practice it. However, the way Catholicism is experienced and expressed is changing. Fewer people attend church regularly, more identify as “former Catholics,” and younger generations are less engaged than their predecessors.

The future of Catholicism in the U.S. depends on how the church adapts to these changes. If it can successfully address the concerns of younger generations, rebuild trust after scandals, and find ways to remain relevant in a rapidly changing society, it may experience renewal rather than decline. However, if current trends continue, Catholicism may play a less central role in American religious life in the future.

Ultimately, Catholicism in the United States is evolving. Whether this evolution leads to resurgence or further decline remains to be seen.