Ethan Walker
Italy has long been considered the cradle of the Catholic faith, with the Vatican City, the headquarters of the Catholic Church, located within the city of Rome. While the majority of Italians identify as Catholic, the country is facing a decline in religious observance and a decrease in Mass attendance. According to various sources and surveys, between 61% and 81.7% of Italians are Catholic, but only a small percentage regularly attend church services. This nominal affiliation with the Catholic Church is deeply rooted in Italian tradition and culture, influencing politics and social activities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and societal changes have contributed to a further decline in religious practice among Italians, particularly the younger generations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Italians who identify as Catholic | 81.7% (2016), 74.4% (2017), 68% (2023), 78% (2023), 74.5% (2021) |
| Percentage of Italians who regularly attend Church services | 19% (at least once a week), 10% or below |
| Percentage of Italians who are non-religious | 11.6% (2016), 22.6% (2017), 28% (2023) |
| Percentage of Italians who believe in God | 74% (2005) |
| Percentage of Italians who are baptised as Catholic | 96.6% |
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What You'll Learn
Between 68% and 81.7% of Italians are Catholic
Italy has a strong historical connection with the Catholic Church. The headquarters of the Catholic Church, the State of Vatican City, is an enclave within the city of Rome, and the Pope is the Bishop of Rome. The Italian territory is divided into 225 Catholic dioceses, and the Catholic Church enjoys a number of privileges and benefits, as well as financial support, from the Italian government.
Various polls and surveys have been conducted to determine the percentage of Italians who identify as Catholic, and the results show a range from 68% to 81.7%. The Ipsos survey in 2023 found that 68% of Italian residents adhered to Christianity, with 61% identifying as Catholics. The Ipsos poll in 2017 reported a higher percentage, with 74.4% of residents identifying as Catholic. The Pew Research Center survey in 2016 found an even higher percentage, with 81.7% of Italians affiliated with the Catholic Church.
It is worth noting that there are differences in religious identification when considering gender, age, and geography. For example, a 2014 Doxa poll found that 80% of women identified as Catholic, compared to 69% of men. Among people over 55 years old, 80% identified as Catholic, while only 68% of those between 15 and 34 years old did so. There are also regional variations, with 85% of people in Southern Italy identifying as Catholic, compared to 62% in the North-West.
While a significant proportion of Italians identify as Catholic, there is a general decline in religious practice and adherence to doctrine. Many consider themselves Catholic in name and tradition, but do not actively participate in Mass or other religious activities. This is reflected in the low attendance rates at church services, with only 19% attending at least once a week, and 31% never attending, according to data by the Italian statistics agency, ISTAT. The COVID-19 pandemic further contributed to the loss of faith, accelerating a trend that has been observed for at least a generation.
The decline in religious practice is not limited to Catholicism, as Western Europe has seen a rise in the rejection of organized religion. However, the Catholic Church still holds a significant presence in Italy, with active Catholic movements and associations involved in social activities and politics.
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Few regularly attend church
While nearly 80% of Italians identify as Catholic, few regularly attend church services. According to the latest Pew Research Center survey, only 19% of Italians attend services at least once a week, while 31% never do. This trend is not limited to Catholicism, as the number of Italians attending religious services of any kind at least once per week dropped below ten million in 2024 for the first time since 2001.
The low attendance rates in Catholic churches stand in contrast to the vibrant ecclesial life in Italy. Catholic organizations like Catholic Action (AC) and the Italian Catholic Association of Guides and Scouts (AGESCI) are active and influential, often supplying Italian politics with their members. Sanctuaries and processions continue to draw crowds, and many Italians still want a church funeral.
However, for most Italians, their Catholic affiliation is more of a nominal connection steeped in tradition than a commitment to doctrine or practice. This is reflected in the comments of some Italians, who express a belief in God or the saints but not in the church. Others describe themselves as "Catholic but not too much," indicating a looser connection to the faith.
The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the decline in church attendance, exacerbating a loss of faith that had been ongoing for at least a generation. The reasons for leaving religion vary, with 64% of Italian respondents in one survey stating they disagreed with their religion's position on social issues.
The trend of declining church attendance is also evident in the comments of clergy like the Rev. Giovanni Mandozzi, who observes a lack of commitment among parishioners, and the Archbishop Erio Castellucci, who notes the reductionist view of measuring faith only by those who practice it. Despite these challenges, some Italians like Pietro di Bartolomeo continue to lead Bible groups for teens, striving to keep the younger generation connected to their faith.
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The Catholic Church has a special relationship with Italy
The Catholic Church has a unique and deep-rooted relationship with Italy. Italy has long been considered the cradle of the Catholic faith, with the headquarters of the Catholic Church, the State of Vatican City, located within the city of Rome. The Pope, as the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the Catholic Church, further solidifies this connection.
Historically, Italy has been predominantly Catholic, with the faith playing a significant role in the country's culture and traditions. According to various surveys and polls, around 80% of Italians identify as Catholic, although active participation and adherence to doctrine are lower. The Catholic Church's influence in Italy extends beyond religious practices, with many Catholic organizations involved in social activities and politics. The country's current President, Sergio Mattarella, and former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, for example, have held leadership roles in Catholic associations.
The Italian territory is divided into 225 Catholic dioceses, and the bishops of these dioceses are organized into the politically influential Episcopal Conference of Italy (CEI). The Catholic Church enjoys a special status in Italy, as recognized by the Italian Constitution, which grants the Church specific privileges, benefits, and financial support. This relationship is governed by treaties, including the Lateran Treaty, which outline the independence of the state and the Church.
However, despite the strong historical ties and nominal affiliation, Italy is not immune to the secularization and decline in religious practices observed in other parts of Western Europe. While the majority of Italians identify as Catholic, only a small percentage regularly attend church services. This disconnect between identification and practice presents a paradox in the country, with many Italians embracing a cultural and traditional connection to the faith rather than a doctrinal one.
The Catholic Church in Italy is facing challenges, with Mass attendance declining and younger generations becoming less involved in parish life. Nonetheless, the Catholic faith remains an integral part of Italy's cultural landscape, with centuries-old churches and sanctuaries continuing to draw crowds and shape the country's religious identity.
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The Catholic Church is financially supported by the Italian government
The Catholic Church and the Italian state have a long and intertwined history, with the Church playing a significant role in shaping Italian culture and society. While Italy has been a secular state since the enactment of the Concordat of 1984, which established the separation of church and state, the Italian government still provides some financial support to the Catholic Church.
The Italian government's financial support of the Catholic Church can be traced back to the unification of Italy in the 19th century. During this time, the Church played a crucial role in opposing the unification efforts, as it stood to lose its temporal power and vast land holdings. As a compromise, the Italian state agreed to provide financial support to the Church, known as the "Concordats." These agreements guaranteed the Church's independence and ensured its continued influence in Italian society.
One of the main ways the Italian government financially supports the Catholic Church is through the Eight per Thousand system. This system allows taxpayers to choose which religious or charitable organization they want to allocate a portion of their taxes to. While taxpayers have a choice, the Catholic Church is one of the main beneficiaries, often receiving around half of the total funds allocated. This amounts to hundreds of millions of euros each year, providing significant support to the Church's activities and initiatives.
Additionally, the Italian government also provides direct funding to the Catholic Church through various agreements and partnerships. For example, the Church receives funding for its schools and universities, as well as for the maintenance and preservation of its vast cultural and artistic heritage, including churches, cathedrals, and other places of worship. The Italian state also covers the salaries of clergy serving in the military and in hospitals and prisons, further contributing to the financial support provided to the Church.
Another significant aspect of financial support is the Vatican City State, a sovereign entity within Rome that serves as the headquarters of the Catholic Church. While the Vatican has its own sources of income, such as tourism and museum admissions, it also benefits from agreements with the Italian state. These agreements, known as the "Economic Pact" and the "Gentlemen's Agreement," provide financial benefits to the Vatican, such as tax exemptions and preferential treatment in economic matters.
It is important to note that the relationship between the Italian state and the Catholic Church has not been without tensions and controversies. There have been ongoing debates and criticisms regarding the level of financial support provided to the Church, with some arguing for a more complete separation of church and state. Nonetheless, the Catholic Church continues to play a significant role in Italian society, and the financial support provided by the government reflects the enduring influence and importance attributed to the Church in Italy.
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The Catholic Church in Italy is facing a collapse in attendance
Italy has a strong historical connection with the Catholic Church; it is the spiritual home of the faith, with the Vatican City, the heart of Catholicism, located within Rome. The influence of the Church is woven into the cultural and social fabric of the country. However, recent times have seen a significant shift, with a decline in attendance and a move away from the Church's traditional hold on Italian society.
A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that while an estimated 75% of Italians self-identify as Catholic, only around one-third of these (so approximately 25% of the overall population) attend Mass regularly. This is a marked change from previous generations, where attendance was much higher and the Church played a more central role in daily life. This decline is particularly noticeable among the younger generations, with many Italians now describing themselves as secular or non-religious.
There are several factors contributing to this decline. One key issue is the changing nature of Italian society, which is becoming increasingly diverse, with rising immigration and a more globalized culture. This has led to a more pluralistic society, where other religions and worldviews are now more visible and accepted. The traditional monopoly of the Catholic Church is being challenged, and many Italians are exploring other spiritual paths or rejecting organized religion altogether.
Additionally, the Church has been embroiled in several scandals in recent years, which have damaged its reputation and pushed some Italians away. These include financial controversies and, most notably, the sexual abuse scandals that have rocked the Church globally. The Italian Church has not escaped these allegations, and the subsequent cover-ups and lack of accountability have led to a loss of trust and faith in the institution.
The decline in attendance has had a significant impact on the Church's finances and influence. With fewer donations and less engagement, the Church is facing financial strain, which has only been exacerbated by the recent global economic downturn. This has resulted in a reduction in the Church's ability to provide social services and support, which was once a key aspect of its role in Italian society.
To counter this collapse in attendance, the Catholic Church in Italy is having to adapt and find new ways to engage with Italians. This includes a greater emphasis on outreach and social media presence, as well as a focus on addressing the scandals and implementing reforms to improve transparency and accountability. However, these efforts are yet to yield significant results, and the Church continues to face an uphill battle to regain the trust and engagement of the Italian people.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a 2023 Ipsos survey, 61% of Italy's residents adhered to Catholicism. However, other sources state that nearly 80% of Italians say they are Catholic, but few regularly attend church services.
In 2016, the Pew Research Center found that 85.1% of Italy's population was Christian, with 11.6% being non-religious. However, a 2023 Ipsos survey found that 28% of Italy's residents were irreligious.
According to data by the Italian statistics agency, ISTAT, 19% of Italians attend church services at least once a week, while 31% never do. However, other sources state that Mass attendance in Italy has fallen to 10% or below.
