The study analyzed 24 countries and found net Catholic losses in 21, with only eight countries retaining Catholic majorities, such as Poland (92%) and the Philippines (80%).
Religious switching often leads former Catholics to Protestantism or no religion, with disaffiliation especially common in Europe and Latin America. In the U.S., only 19% of adults now identify as Catholic.
Protestantism has seen net gains in several countries, particularly in Latin America, often at Catholicism’s expense. The findings are based on Pew’s 2023-24 U.S. Religious Landscape Study and 2024 international surveys.
Why is Hungary the only surveyed nation showing a net gain for Catholicism?
As Catholicism wanes, how will the rise of 'nones' reshape Latin American politics?
What can the Catholic Church learn from the rapid growth of Protestantism in Brazil?
How does religious decline correlate with changing moral views on issues like pornography?
Is the global shift from Catholicism a rejection of God or just institutional religion?
Will digital faith platforms replace traditional churches for younger generations seeking community?