Rachel Evans
While the South has historically been predominantly Protestant, there has been a recent surge in the number of Catholics in the region. In 2024, the South was reported to host the highest percentage of Catholics (29%) when compared to other US regions. This shift has been attributed to various factors, including immigration, French and Catholic cultural influences, and the efforts of Catholic organizations to establish a presence in the region. States like South Carolina, with its vibrant Catholic community in Greenville, and Louisiana, with its unique history and cultural influences, stand out as notable examples of this trend.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Catholics in the U.S. | 60-61.9 million |
| Region with the highest percentage of Catholics | The South (29%) |
| States with the highest percentage of Catholics | South Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico |
| Cities with the highest percentage of Catholics | Greenville, New Orleans, South Louisiana |
| Percentage of Catholics in South Carolina | 10% |
| Number of Catholics in North Carolina | 10,219 |
| Percentage of Catholics in North Carolina | 0.28% |
| Number of counties in Georgia with enough Catholics for a resident priest | 16 |
| Number of counties in North Carolina without a Catholic church | 50 |
| States with declining Catholic populations | Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut |
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What You'll Learn
Louisiana has a large Catholic population
The Cajuns in rural southern Louisiana are heavily Catholic. Cajuns are French Canadian Catholics who migrated to Louisiana. New Orleans, in particular, is a very Catholic city, despite not being a Cajun area. Louisiana's unique Catholic heritage can also be attributed to its history of immigration from Catholic countries. For example, German immigrants settled in many parts of Texas, and there are large populations of Catholics in these areas.
In recent years, South Carolina has also seen a rise in its Catholic population. In 1987, only 2% of the state's population identified as Catholic. However, after Pope John Paul II's visit to the University of South Carolina, the Catholic community grew to 10%, or an estimated 218,000 people. Greenville, South Carolina, is known for its robust Catholic community, with multiple parishes, such as Prince of Peace, St. Mary Magdalene, and St. Mary's.
While the South has historically been heavily Protestant, with states like Georgia and Tennessee lacking Catholic churches, Louisiana stands out as an exception with its large and vibrant Catholic population.
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Historical immigration patterns
The historical immigration patterns of Catholics in the United States have been influenced by various factors, including religious persecution, economic opportunities, and social dynamics. Here is an overview of the evolution of Catholic immigration to the US, with a focus on the South:
Colonial Period to Early 19th Century
During the colonial era, the Catholic population in the United States was relatively small and centred mainly in the French and Spanish colonies, which later became parts of states like Florida, Texas, California, and the Southwest. Most Catholics during this period were from England, Germany, and France, with a notable presence of Irish Catholics, who settled predominantly in Maryland and Pennsylvania. By 1775, there were approximately 10,000 Irish Catholics in the colonies, and in 1785, about 3,000 of the 16,000 Catholics in Maryland were Black.
Mid-19th Century
The mid-19th century witnessed a significant influx of Catholic immigrants from Europe, particularly Ireland and Germany. This period also saw the emergence of anti-Catholic sentiments, rooted in xenophobia, ethnocentrism, nativism, and racism. The "nativist" movement, which gained prominence in the 1840s, led to mob violence, destruction of Catholic property, and even the killing of Catholics. Irish Catholic immigrants were scapegoated for spreading violence and drunkenness.
Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century
Following 1890, Catholic immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe, including Italy, Poland, and Austria, arrived in large numbers. The Catholic Church established an extensive infrastructure, including parishes, dioceses, schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions. This period also saw the rise of anti-Catholic rhetoric, with Protestant leaders expressing alarm at the growing number of Catholic immigrants. The second wave of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) in the 1920s further intensified anti-Catholic sentiment, with violent incidents targeting Catholic churches and clergy.
Post-World War II to Present
After World War II, the Catholic population in the US began to shift socio-economically, with more Catholics moving into white-collar status and relocating from inner cities to the suburbs. The number of priests and nuns declined, but the Catholic population was bolstered by immigration from Latin America, especially Mexico and Central America. This trend continues today, with nearly half of Catholic immigrants to the US originating from Latin America and the Caribbean, contributing to the resilience of the Catholic Church in the face of declining membership among US-born populations.
In summary, the historical immigration patterns of Catholics in the US, particularly the South, have been shaped by religious tensions, social dynamics, and global migration flows. While the South has traditionally been predominantly Protestant, the recent influx of domestic and international migrants to Southern and Western states has led to a significant increase in Catholic populations in these regions, reshaping the geographic distribution of Catholics within the country.
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Anti-Catholic bigotry
The presence of Catholics in the South has been a significant aspect of the region's religious and cultural landscape. While the exact numbers may vary depending on the source and the specific area in question, it is estimated that there are several million Catholics in the South. However, despite their numbers, Catholics in the South have often faced a history of discrimination and bigotry.
Anti-Catholic sentiment in the South has a long and complex history, dating back to the earliest days of European colonization. In the United States, Catholicism has often been associated with immigration, particularly from Ireland, Mexico, and other Latin American countries. In the South, where Protestantism has traditionally been the dominant religion, Catholics have been viewed with suspicion and distrust. This sentiment was often fueled by religious and cultural differences, as well as misconceptions and stereotypes about Catholic beliefs and practices.
One of the most significant manifestations of anti-Catholic bigotry in the South was the widespread opposition to Catholic immigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Protestant natives feared that the influx of Catholics would threaten their cultural and religious dominance in the region. This led to the emergence of anti-Catholic organizations, such as the Native American Party, also known as the Know-Nothing movement, which sought to restrict the rights and influence of Catholic immigrants. Violence and discrimination against Catholics were not uncommon, and they were often denied equal opportunities in areas such as education and employment.
The opposition to Catholic schools and institutions was another notable aspect of anti-Catholic sentiment in the South. Protestant natives feared that Catholic schools would promote loyalty to the Pope and Catholicism, undermining their own religious and cultural values. This led to legal and social efforts to restrict the establishment and operation of Catholic schools. In some cases, Catholic schools were prohibited from receiving public funding or were subjected to discriminatory regulations.
In addition to these structural forms of discrimination, Catholics in the South also faced more direct forms of bigotry and harassment. Catholic churches and symbols were often targets of vandalism and destruction, and Catholics themselves were subjected to verbal and physical abuse. Misconceptions and stereotypes about Catholicism, such as the belief in papal conspiracies or the notion that Catholics were disloyal to the United States, further fueled this bigotry.
Despite the persistence of anti-Catholic sentiment, Catholics in the South have made significant contributions to the region's development and have played an important role in shaping its cultural and religious landscape. Over time, there has been a gradual increase in interfaith dialogue and cooperation between Catholics and Protestants, and efforts have been made to address discrimination and promote religious tolerance. While pockets of anti-Catholic sentiment still exist, the South has become more diverse and accepting, allowing Catholics to play a more integral role in the social fabric of the region.
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Growth of Catholicism in South Carolina
South Carolina, part of the Bible Belt, has historically been a predominantly Protestant area. In the 1980s, it was the least Catholic state in the country, with only 2% of its population identifying as Catholic. However, this number increased following Pope John Paul II's 1987 visit to the University of South Carolina, where he addressed 60,000 people, encouraging them to embrace "great love for truth."
Since then, South Carolina has experienced a significant growth in its Catholic population. As of 2024, the state's Catholic community has grown to an estimated 218,000 people, or 10% of the state's population. This represents a more than 600% increase from the state's Catholic population in 1987. The growth is attributed to several factors, including an influx of individuals moving to the South from other regions, an increase in conversions, and a strong rise in Catholicism among the state's younger population.
Greenville has emerged as one of the foremost hubs of Catholicism in South Carolina, attracting families from across the country with its vibrant Catholic community and excellent Catholic schools. The area boasts multiple parishes, including Prince of Peace, St. Mary Magdalene, St. Mary's, and Our Lady of the Rosary, where Masses are often well-attended by young families.
The Diocese of Charleston, established in 1820 by Pope Pius VII, has played a significant role in the growth of Catholicism in South Carolina. The diocese has seen a recent surge in vocations, with a 14% increase in registered parishioners over the last decade. The dedication of the clergy and their commitment to serving the people have contributed to the flourishing of Catholicism in the state.
While South Carolina has witnessed the growth of Catholicism, it is important to acknowledge that anti-Catholic sentiment and bigotry have been historically present in the South. However, the resilience and devotion of the Catholic community have helped them thrive and continue to grow in this predominantly Protestant region.
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Catholicism is the largest religious body in 36 US states
Catholicism is growing fastest in the South and West, even as it declines in the Midwest and Northeast. In 2020, 45% of US Catholics lived in the Northeast and Midwest, compared to 71% fifty years earlier. The South currently hosts the highest percentage of Catholics (29%), with former Catholic strongholds in the Northeast, such as Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, experiencing a rapid decline in Catholic populations in recent decades.
Several factors have been put forward to explain the lower number of Catholics in the Southern US. One is that most of the people who settled in the Southeast were of English descent and therefore Protestant. The South was also predominantly colonized by the British, who were Anglican. After US independence, the South was primarily settled by Scotch-Irish (Ulster Scots) immigrants, who mostly came from either Anglican, Presbyterian (Calvinist), or Methodist backgrounds. Anti-Catholic bigotry has also been stronger in the South, with organizations like the KKK discriminating against Catholics. Many Catholics probably moved or changed religions to avoid persecution.
However, there are notable exceptions to the general trend, such as Louisiana, especially Southern Louisiana, where there is a large population of Catholics. Louisiana is the only state in the US that has Parishes instead of Counties, and many of these Parishes are named after Catholic saints or feast days. This is due to its French colonial history and heavy immigration from Catholic countries like Italy. There are also large populations of Catholics in several parts of Texas, especially in areas with high Hispanic populations and where German immigrants previously settled. South Carolina has also seen its Catholic community grow from 2% in 1987 to 10% today, partly due to a visit by Pope John Paul II in 1987.
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Frequently asked questions
The South has seen a recent surge in its Catholic population. In 2020, 45% of U.S. Catholics lived in the South, compared to 71% in the Northeast and Midwest fifty years earlier. The South currently hosts the highest percentage of Catholics (29%) in the U.S.
South Carolina has seen its Catholic community grow to 10% of the state's population, a more than 600% increase since 1987. Texas and Louisiana also have large Catholic populations, especially in Southern Louisiana and areas with high Hispanic populations or a history of German immigration.
Historically, the Southern U.S. was colonized by the British, who were predominantly Anglican. Following U.S. independence, the South was primarily settled by Scotch-Irish (Ulster Scots) immigrants, who were mostly Protestant. Anti-Catholic bigotry has also been stronger in the South due to a lack of familiarity with Catholics.
Yes, the number of Catholics in the South is increasing while former Catholic strongholds in the Northeast, such as Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, have experienced a rapid decline in their Catholic populations in recent years.
