Africa now hosts more Catholics than Europe, Vatican data shows
Vatican statistics released on Friday reveal that the number of Catholics in Africa has surpassed those in Europe for the first time.
The Holy See's latest figures indicate that 20.3% of the global Catholic population lives in Africa, edging out Europe’s 20.2%. Worldwide Catholic numbers reached 1.422 billion at the end of June 2024, a slight rise from the previous year. The Americas remain the largest region at 47.7%, while Asia accounts for 11% and Oceania 0.8%. The report also notes a modest increase in priests, up by 425 after five years of decline.
Why it matters
The shift signals Africa's growing influence within the Catholic Church and may affect future pastoral priorities.
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CatholicsAfricaEuropeglobal populationpriest numbersVatican statisticsreligious demographics
