Grace Thompson
Catholicism is one of the largest religious groups in the United States, with 70.4 million registered Catholics in 2023, making up 22% of the population. The religion has a long history in the country, with European Catholics playing major military roles in the American Revolution. While anti-Catholic sentiment was once prevalent in the US, with legislated anti-Catholicism, this was eventually voided by the First Amendment in 1890. Today, Catholics are relatively well-integrated into American society, with many holding college degrees and residing in households with high incomes. They are spread out across the country, with particularly strong communities near the Mexican border.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 70,412,000 registered Catholics in the US (22% of the population) |
| Geographical distribution | Northeast: 26%; Midwest: 20%; South: 29%; West: 25% |
| Education | 35% have a bachelor's degree; 27% have attended college; 38% have a high school education or less |
| Income | 13.3 million households have an income of $100,000 or more |
| Politics | 53% identify with the Republican Party; 43% with the Democratic Party |
| Military | Catholics played a significant military role in the country's history |
| History | Anti-Catholic sentiment was historically prevalent, but this waned as Catholics demonstrated their patriotism in World War I |
| Race | White Catholics: 70% are 50 or older, 39% are 65 or older; Hispanic Catholics: 40% are 50 or older, 14% are 65 or older; Asian Catholics: 53% are 50 or older, 20% are 65 or older |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Catholic influence on US history
Catholicism first came to territories that now form the United States through Spanish colonists in the 16th century. The first Catholic Mass was held in 1526 by Dominican friars Antonio de Montesinos and Anthony de Cervantes. In the 17th century, the Province of Maryland was founded with an explicitly English Catholic identity, under the influence of Catholic colonial families such as the Calverts and the Carrolls.
In the 19th century, Catholic immigrants began arriving in large numbers from countries including Ireland, Germany, Italy, Poland, Mexico, and Lithuania. By 1850, Catholic ranks had swelled to over a million, and these new immigrants often faced prejudice as they were poor, uneducated, and clustered in northeastern cities. Many were caricatured as "infidels" and drunks.
After World War I, some states were concerned about the influence of immigrants and "foreign" values, and sought to promote a common American culture through public schools. In 1922, the Compulsory Education Act was passed in Oregon, aiming to shut down Catholic schools and other private and military schools. This caused outrage among Catholics, who organized to defend their right to send their children to Catholic schools.
In the 20th century, Catholic leaders like James Cardinal Gibbons expressed admiration for the United States and its democratic values, and Catholics demonstrated their patriotism in World War I. This contributed to a decline in anti-Catholic sentiment.
Today, Catholics are one of the largest religious groups in the United States, with 70.4 million registered Catholics as of 2023, or 22% of the population. They outnumber any single Protestant denomination and are spread relatively evenly across the country, with the South having the largest Catholic population. Catholics are also well-represented in higher education and high-income households.
Catholics have made a significant impact on American politics, with many prominent figures, including President Joe Biden, Chief Justice John Roberts, and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, identifying as Catholic. The Catholic Church has sought to influence legislation on social issues, such as abortion and euthanasia.
In conclusion, while Catholics have faced historical prejudice and struggles for religious freedom in the United States, they have also made significant contributions to the country's history, culture, and politics, and continue to be a large and influential religious group.
Why Cardinals Wear Red Vestments
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholic population distribution
Catholicism is one of the largest religious groups in the United States, with 22% of the population identifying as Catholic as of 2017. This makes the United States the country with the fourth-largest Catholic population in the world, after Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines. The Catholic population in the US has increased from 45 million to 72 million in absolute numbers.
Catholics are spread out relatively evenly across the United States. The South has the largest share of Catholics, with 29% living in this region. 26% live in the Northeast, 25% in the West, and 20% in the Midwest. The Northeast has seen a decline in churchgoers, leading to bishops closing or consolidating parishes and schools. The West has a relatively larger population of Asian Catholics than other regions (10%).
The racial and ethnic makeup of the Catholic population varies by region. In the Midwest, 78% of Catholics are White and 15% are Hispanic. In the Northeast, 72% of Catholics are White and 20% are Hispanic. In the South, 44% are White and 45% are Hispanic, and in the West, there are more Hispanic Catholics than White Catholics (58% vs. 27%).
Rhode Island is the state with the largest population of Catholic residents, with 42% of the state's population identifying as Catholic. The high population of Roman Catholics in this region is due to the historically high population of French-Canadian, Irish, and Italian immigrants. Massachusetts has the second-highest Catholic population with 34%, followed by New Jersey with 34%.
The number of Catholics in the US grew rapidly in the 19th and 20th centuries due to high fertility and immigration, especially from Ireland, Germany, and, after 1880, Eastern Europe, Italy, and Quebec. Large-scale Catholic immigration from Mexico began after 1910, and in 2019, Latinos comprised 37% of American Catholics.
Catholics Partake in Bread and Wine: Why Both?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholic political preferences
Catholics are one of the largest religious groups in the United States, making up 22% of the population. They are spread relatively evenly across the country, with 29% living in the South, 26% in the Northeast, 25% in the West, and 20% in the Midwest.
Catholics have been active in US elections since the mid-19th century, and Catholic voters now comprise 25% to 27% of the national electorate. While there has never been an American Catholic political party, partisan affiliation varies by race and ethnicity. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 53% of White Catholic registered voters identify with or lean towards the Republican Party, while 36% affiliate with the Democratic Party. Conversely, 56% of Hispanic Catholics who are registered voters say they identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party, compared with 39% who favor the GOP.
The Catholic Church's views and teachings have evolved over time and have sometimes significantly influenced politics within the nation. The Church has always opposed abortion, embryonic stem cell research, and LGBTQ rights, and has often led the national debate on these issues. The Church has also been a proponent of democracy, with Pope Leo XIII endorsing it as the most Catholic type of governance, but with the caveat that it must benefit the lower classes, work for the common good, and reject individualism.
Catholics in the United States hold a range of political views, and there is no longer considered to be a single "Catholic vote." However, the Church continues to play a role in politics, with bishops providing guidance to Catholic voters and politicians on moral issues.
Addressing a Deacon: Formality and Respect in the Catholic Church
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholic education and careers
Catholicism is one of the largest religious groups in the United States, with 70.4 million registered Catholics in the country, making up 22% of the US population. The Catholic Church in the US is led by bishops, who each oversee their own dioceses and collectively govern through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Catholics are spread out relatively evenly across the US, with 29% living in the South, 26% in the Northeast, 25% in the West, and 20% in the Midwest. The racial and ethnic makeup of Catholics varies by region, with the Midwest having the highest percentage of White Catholics (78%) and the South having the highest percentage of Hispanic Catholics (45%).
In terms of education, more Catholics in the US hold college degrees (over 19 million) than members of any other faith community. Specifically, 35% of US Catholics have a bachelor's degree, 27% have some college experience, and 38% have a high school education or less.
There are various career opportunities within the Catholic Church, including consecrated life as monks, nuns, friars, priests, brothers, and sisters. Many lay people are also employed in secular careers that support the Church, such as educators, healthcare professionals, lawyers, finance experts, and human resources specialists.
Some specific examples of Catholic education and career paths include:
- Teachers at Catholic schools, such as Sacred Heart School in Lyndhurst, NJ, or Incarnation Catholic Academy in Queens Village, NY
- Faculty and staff positions at Catholic universities, like Franciscan University in Steubenville, OH
- Administrative and leadership roles within dioceses and parishes, such as the Office of Pastoral Outreach Lead in the Catholic Diocese of Joliet, IL, or the Director of Religious Education at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manassas, VA
- Specialized roles such as Youth Minister at Good Shepherd Catholic Parish in Visalia, CA, or Web Designer for the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe (remote position)
Massachusetts's Catholic Diocese: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholic views on social issues
Catholicism is one of the largest religious groups in the United States, with 70.4 million registered Catholics in the country as of 2020, making up 22% of the US population. Catholics outnumber any single Protestant denomination, although the South remains overwhelmingly Protestant. The Northeast is home to 24% of US Catholics, the Midwest to 19%, the South to 32%, and the West to 25%.
Catholics in the US hold a variety of views on social issues, with some more conservative Catholics being viewed negatively for their opposition to abortion and gay marriage. However, Catholic social teaching is officially based on a commitment to the poor and vulnerable, and the pursuit of justice and peace. Here is an overview of some Catholic views on social issues:
Abortion and Euthanasia
The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that human dignity is inherent from the moment of conception to natural death. Therefore, abortion and euthanasia are considered direct attacks on human life.
Death Penalty
The Catholic Church values life over death and opposes the use of the death penalty. The Catholic Mobilizing Network seeks to transform the US criminal justice system from punitive to restorative.
War and Conflict
Catholic teaching calls on followers to work to avoid war and protect the right to life. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong, and nations must find peaceful means to prevent and resolve conflicts.
Social and Political Participation
Catholics are encouraged to take an active part in public life and contribute to the common good of their country and the global community. This includes seeking social justice and ensuring that economic, social, cultural, and political institutions facilitate personal growth and do not create obstacles.
Marriage and Family
Marriage and the family are considered central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened.
Environmental Stewardship
Catholics believe in caring for God's creation and protecting the environment as a gift from God. This includes recognizing the impact of environmental exploitation on vulnerable communities and advocating for environmental justice.
Education and Income
In the US, more Catholics hold college degrees than members of any other faith community, and more Catholics reside in households with incomes of $100,000 or more. However, Catholic social teaching emphasizes that human dignity is not derived from accomplishments or qualities but is inherent in every person as a creation of God.
Blessing a Catholic Home: A Guide to House Blessings
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Catholics are one of the largest religious groups in the United States, outnumbering any single Protestant denomination. In 2025, there were 70,412,000 registered Catholics in the United States, making up 22% of the US population.
While there is a strong separation of Church and State in the USA, Catholics have historically been viewed with anti-Catholic sentiment in the country. This dates back to the British colonists, who were predominantly Protestant and opposed the Catholic Church. Today, Catholics are viewed differently in different parts of the country. In the Northeast, for example, many parishes and schools are closing due to a lack of churchgoers and students, while in the West, there are large Catholic communities but also strong atheist movements.
Catholicism has a long history in the USA, dating back to the country's founding. One of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence, Charles Carroll, was Catholic. Over time, the country experienced waves of emigration from countries such as Ireland, Germany, Poland, and Italy, which increased the number of Catholics in the USA.
