Rachel Evans
Italy is considered the cradle of the Catholic faith, with centuries-old churches and sanctuaries dotting the landscape. However, the percentage of Italians who identify as Catholic has been declining over the years. According to various sources and surveys, the percentage of Italians who identify as Catholic ranges from 71.1% to 87.8%. The latest Eurobarometer survey in 2021 estimated that 79.2% of Italians are Catholic, while a 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 78% of Italians identify as Catholic. While a significant number of Italians profess the Catholic faith, only a small percentage regularly attend church services, with a majority having a nominal affiliation steeped in tradition rather than doctrine or practice.
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What You'll Learn
Percentage of Italians who are Catholic: ~80%
The percentage of Italians who identify as Catholic varies according to different sources and surveys. While some sources put the figure at 74.5% or 78%, others state that nearly 80% of Italians identify as Catholic. A 2021 Eurobarometer survey estimated that 79.2% of Italians were Catholic, while a 2006 survey by Eurispes found that 87.8% of Italian citizens were Catholic.
However, it is important to note that there is a difference between identifying as Catholic and actively practising the religion. According to a 2021 Eurobarometer survey, only 19% of Italians attend church services at least once a week, while 31% never attend. Similarly, a 2020 study by Censis found that only 15.3% of Italians who identify as Catholic consider themselves regular churchgoers, with 34.9% attending services only occasionally and 20.9% considering themselves "non-practicing."
The reasons for this discrepancy between identification and practice are varied. Some Italians may feel a sense of affiliation with the Catholic Church due to tradition and culture, rather than a strict adherence to doctrine. Others may have a more individualised relationship with their faith, seeing it as a personal journey rather than a communal commitment. Additionally, the Catholic Church in Italy has been facing a credibility crisis due to a variety of scandals, particularly those related to abuse, which have damaged its image in the eyes of many Italians, including practising Catholics.
Despite these challenges, the Catholic Church continues to play a significant role in Italian society, with many active Catholic movements and associations, and the Church remains involved in social justice work and political life.
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Percentage of Italians who regularly attend church: 15.3% to 19%
While nearly 80% of Italians identify as Catholic, only a small percentage of them regularly attend church. According to the latest Pew Research Center survey, 78% of Italians identify as Catholic, but only 19% of them attend services at least once a week, while 31% never do. This data was provided by the Italian statistics agency, ISTAT.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the loss of faith among Italians, according to Franco Garelli, a University of Turin sociology professor. The pandemic's impact, combined with the already declining religious practice in Italy, has resulted in a significant drop in church attendance.
The reasons for the decrease in church attendance are varied. Some attribute it to a lack of time or interest, while others suggest that it is part of a broader trend of secularization in Western Europe. Additionally, there are differences in church attendance rates among different age groups, with citizens over 75 years old being the most religious and those between 18 and 19 years old having the lowest attendance rates.
Despite the decline in church attendance, Italy still has a vibrant ecclesial life, with many active Catholic movements and associations. These organizations, such as Catholic Action (AC) and the Italian Catholic Association of Guides and Scouts (AGESCI), are involved in various social activities and have influenced Italian politics.
Furthermore, while regular church attendance may be low, religious practice in Italy is still relatively high compared to other Western European countries. According to the 2017 Being Christian in Western Europe survey by Pew, 58% of Italians consider religion to be important. Additionally, Italy was the only country in the survey with more practising Christians than non-practising ones.
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Italians who never attend services: 31%
While Italy has long been considered the cradle of the Catholic faith, with nearly 80% of Italians professing to be Catholic, only about two-thirds of this number regularly attend church services. A significant proportion, 31%, never attend services at all. This paradox of religious affiliation without practice is intriguing and can be attributed to various factors.
Firstly, it is important to recognize the deep-rooted tradition and cultural significance of Catholicism in Italy. For many Italians, being Catholic is an inherent part of their identity and heritage. The country is dotted with centuries-old churches, and religious processions and sanctuaries continue to draw crowds. However, for a growing number of Italians, particularly the younger generation, this affiliation is more nominal and based on tradition than on strict adherence to doctrine or regular religious practice.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role in accelerating this trend. According to Franco Garelli, a sociology professor at the University of Turin, the pandemic further contributed to a loss of faith and disengagement from the Catholic Church, a shift that had already been underway for at least a generation. The impact of the pandemic was evident in the words of Rev. Giovanni Mandozzi, a parish priest in the sanctuary village of Isola, who expressed concern about the lack of commitment among some Italians, with many citing excuses such as lack of time or motivation without deeper reflection.
Another factor influencing the disconnect between religious affiliation and attendance of services is the diversity of beliefs and practices within Italy's Catholic population. Some individuals, like Carmela Forino, emphasize personal prayer and devotion over attending Mass on Sundays. Others, like Federica Nobile, who describes herself as "Catholic but not too much," strive to move beyond the concept of good versus evil and find a more nuanced approach to their faith.
Additionally, the appeal of the Catholic Church's social justice work cannot be overlooked. Archbishop Erio Castellucci, vice president of the Italian bishops' conference, highlights that the Holy Spirit's influence extends beyond those who regularly practice the faith. This broader interpretation of Catholic identity may attract individuals who are drawn to the Church's social initiatives rather than solely its sacraments.
Lastly, it is worth noting that the decline in church attendance is not unique to Italy. In deeply secular Western Europe, there is a growing trend of individuals rejecting organized religion, often referred to as "nones." Italy, however, stands out in this context, as most Italians retain a nominal affiliation with Catholicism, even if they do not actively participate in religious services or strictly follow its doctrines.
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Italians who identify as non-religious: 11.6% to 15.3%
While Italy is considered the heart of Catholicism, with the Vatican, the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, located in the country, the number of Italians identifying as non-religious ranges from 11.6% to 15.3%. This percentage includes atheists, agnostics, and those who do not identify with any particular religion.
The percentage of non-religious Italians has been increasing, with some sources estimating that up to 30% of the population may be atheist. This trend is particularly noticeable among young Italians, who are less likely to be religiously affiliated and less likely to attend church regularly than older generations.
The decline in religious affiliation and practice is not unique to Italy and can be observed in other Western European countries as well. Despite the secularization of Italian society, Catholicism continues to play a significant role in the country's culture and traditions. Many Italians maintain a nominal affiliation with the Catholic Church, even if they do not actively participate in religious practices or adhere to its doctrines.
The relationship between the Italian state and the Catholic Church has evolved over time. While the Catholic Church was once the official state church of Italy, the country formally ended its status as the state religion in 1984, establishing a separation between church and state. Today, Italy is officially a secular state, guaranteeing freedom of religion for its citizens.
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Italians who believe abuse scandals have damaged the Church's image: ~70%
As of 2021, around 78.4% of the Italian population, or approximately 45 million people, identified as Roman Catholic. While this number has decreased slightly in recent years, Catholicism remains the dominant religion in Italy, with a rich history and deep cultural roots. However, various factors, including the Church's handling of abuse scandals, have impacted its public image and led to a complex relationship between Italians and the Catholic Church.
Indeed, according to a Pew Research Center study from 2019, 70% of Italians believe that the Church's image has been damaged by abuse scandals. This sentiment is understandable given the serious nature of the abuses and the Church's initial response, which was often perceived as inadequate or even complicit. The sexual abuse of minors by clergy and the subsequent cover-ups have shocked and appalled many Italians, leading to a crisis of confidence in the Catholic Church's moral authority.
The impact of these scandals has been significant, with far-reaching consequences. For many Italians, the Church's failure to adequately address and prevent abuse has called into question its ability to be a moral guide and has damaged its credibility. This has led to a sense of betrayal and disappointment, particularly among those who have long associated the Catholic Church with trust and spiritual guidance. The scandals have also fueled criticism and debate about the Church's power and influence in Italian society, including its involvement in politics and education.
Additionally, the abuse scandals have had a tangible impact on religious practices and identities in Italy. While Catholics still make up a significant majority, the scandals have contributed to a broader trend of religious disaffiliation. Some Italians have chosen to distance themselves from the Church or have left altogether, no longer feeling able to reconcile their faith with the actions and failures of the institution. Others have questioned the Church's teachings and traditions, seeking reform and a more inclusive and transparent approach.
It is worth noting that the Church has taken steps to address the abuse scandals and restore its image. Pope Francis, in particular, has implemented reforms and initiatives to improve accountability and prevent future abuses. These efforts include establishing new procedures for reporting and investigating abuse allegations, removing abusive priests, and emphasizing the importance of transparency and justice. While these steps are significant, the process of healing and rebuilding trust is ongoing, and many Italians continue to grapple with the impact of these scandals on their relationship with the Catholic Church.
Overall, the abuse scandals have had a profound impact on Italians' perceptions of the Catholic Church, with around 70% believing that its image has been damaged. This has led to soul-searching, debate, and a period of transformation for the Catholic Church in Italy. While challenges remain, there is also an opportunity for growth, renewal, and a re-evaluation of the Church's role and relationship with Italian society.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the latest statistics, between 74.5% and 79.2% of Italians are Catholic.
While nearly 80% of Italians identify as Catholic, only a small percentage regularly go to church. According to data by the Italian statistics agency ISTAT, only 19% attend services at least once a week, while 31% never do.
There are various reasons for the decline in church attendance among Italians. Some people have a nominal affiliation with the Catholic Church steeped in tradition but do not adhere to its doctrines or practices. Others may have a "Catholic but not too much" attitude, where they believe in some aspects of the faith but not others. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic further reduced church attendance, accelerating a loss in faith.
The decline in Catholicism has had a significant impact on Italy, a country long considered the cradle of the Catholic faith. It has led to a decrease in Mass attendance, with some parishes reporting less than a dozen people at Sunday services. The Catholic Church in Italy is also facing competition from other religious groups, such as the Muslim community, which is actively acquiring new spaces for worship.
