Grace Thompson
While Spain is a non-confessional state, it is not a secular state. Catholicism has been the major religion in Spain since 1492, and the country has a strong history of Catholic influence. However, the number of self-proclaimed Catholics is in decline, with only 18.5% of the population practicing the faith. This is a significant decrease from the 70-72.9% of Spaniards who considered themselves Catholic in 2011-2012. The decline in Catholicism is attributed to various factors, including the Church's support for the Franco regime and the increasing influence of other religions, such as Islam, due to immigration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of the population that identifies as Catholic | 56.1% (June 2025), 68.3% (2012), 72.9% (2019), 80% (2002), 67.4% (2018), 70% (2011) |
| Percentage of Catholics that attend mass | 47% (rarely), 14% (regularly), 3% (weekly) |
| Percentage of the population that is non-religious or atheist | 37% |
| Percentage of the population that follows minority religions | 3% to 5% |
| Number of followers of minority religions | Islam: 1.9 million (4%), Judaism: 13,000, Buddhism: 90,000 (with sympathizers: 300,000) |
| Number of Catholic priests and nuns | In 1984: 22,000 priests, 10,000 monks, 75,000 nuns |
| Government financial aid to the Catholic Church | Taxpayers could deduct up to 10% of taxable income for donations to the Catholic Church (until 2007) |
| Constitutional recognition of the Catholic Church | The Constitution requires the government to "maintain appropriate cooperation" with the Catholic Church |
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What You'll Learn
Catholicism's decline in Spain
Catholicism, though historically tied to Spain, has been on a downward trend in the country over the past few decades.
In the past, Catholicism was deeply ingrained in Spanish culture, with the majority of Spaniards identifying as Catholics and participating in religious rituals such as baptism, marriage, and burial. However, the country has seen a shift away from religious affiliation and practice in recent years. This is evident in the declining number of believers and practitioners of the Catholic faith.
According to a 2008 poll by the Obradoiro de Socioloxia, the percentage of Catholics in Spain decreased from 72.9% to 68.3% over a period of seven years. By 2025, the share of Catholics in the Spanish population had further dropped to 56.1%. This decline is also reflected in the decreasing attendance at Mass, with over 47% of Spanish Catholics rarely attending religious services as of June 2025.
Several factors have contributed to the decline of Catholicism in Spain. One significant factor is the legacy of the Franco dictatorship and the Catholic Church's association with it. During the Franco regime, the Church was very supportive of the right-wing government, and this has influenced public perception and trust in the Church. The end of the dictatorship brought about a period of cultural change and modernization, known as La Movida Madrileña, which further contributed to the decline of the Church's influence.
Additionally, the younger generations in Spain tend to be more open and accepting of change, and the Catholic Church has struggled to appeal to them. While some young people value the cultural component of the Church, others are deterred by its controversial past and political alignments. The general crisis in religious vocations worldwide, which began in the 1960s, has also impacted Spain, resulting in a decrease in the number of clergy members.
The decline of Catholicism in Spain is part of a broader trend of religious decline in Western countries. As standards of living improve and access to education and technology increases, people tend to question religious doctrines and seek alternative worldviews.
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Catholicism and the state
While Spain does not have an official state religion, it is a traditionally Catholic country. The Constitution declares Spain a "non-confessional" state, but it is not a secular state like France or Mexico. The Constitution requires the government to “take the religious beliefs of Spanish society into account" and to “maintain appropriate cooperation with the Catholic Church and the other confessions." This has resulted in government financial aid to the Catholic Church, a contentious issue that has been protested by other religious groups in Spain.
Historically, the Catholic Church in Spain was very supportive of the Franco regime, which has played a role in the decline of Catholicism in the country. In addition, the Church's involvement in politics and its support for right-wing parties have contributed to a decrease in the number of believers. Despite this, Catholicism continues to be the major religion in Spain, with around 56% of the population identifying as Catholic as of June 2025. However, this number is down from over 70% in 2011, and the number of Catholics who regularly attend Mass is relatively low, with only 14% reporting going to Mass every Sunday or multiple times a week.
The Spanish government recognizes the fundamental rights of religious liberty and freedom of worship for individuals and groups. All religious communities must register with the Ministry of Justice's Registry of Religious Entities to be recognized as legal entities. While some minority religious groups, such as Jews, Muslims, and Protestants, have bilateral cooperation agreements with the government, others face restrictions at the local level that inhibit their ability to assemble and obtain building permits for new worship centers.
The religious landscape in Spain is changing due to immigration, with increasing numbers of followers of Islam and Protestant Christianity. Islam is now the second most widely practiced religion in Spain, with approximately 1.9 million followers, or about 4% of the population. The growth of these religious groups may lead to a resurgence of religious participation in some parts of the country.
In conclusion, while Spain is not an officially Catholic state, Catholicism has historically been the dominant religion and continues to have a strong presence in the country. However, the number of self-proclaimed Catholics is in decline, and the relationship between the Catholic Church and the state has been contentious at times. The Spanish government recognizes the importance of religious liberty and cooperation with various religious groups, but there are still challenges and restrictions faced by some minority religions.
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Religious liberty laws
Spain has a long history of Catholicism, with the religion previously holding legal status during Franco's rule. However, the country has evolved to embrace religious diversity and protect the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their faith. The 1978 Constitution of Spain, which is the supreme law of the land, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding religious liberty and freedom of worship for individuals and groups. This constitution disestablishes Roman Catholicism as the official religion, guaranteeing religious liberty for non-Catholics as a state-protected legal right.
The principle of "state neutrality" in Spain does not equate to secular confessionality or religious neglect. Instead, it strikes a balance by acknowledging the religious beliefs prevalent in Spanish society and mandating cooperation with the Catholic Church and other religious confessions. This cooperation is further elaborated through concordats and bilateral agreements with various religious denominations, ensuring their legal recognition.
The Organic Law of Religious Freedom is a fundamental piece of legislation that establishes the procedures for religious organizations to gain legal recognition. It ensures that all religious communities, aside from the Catholic Church, can attain this recognition by registering with the Ministry of Justice's Registry of Religious Entities. This registration grants them the status of legal entities and enables them to enter into cooperation agreements with the state.
Spain's commitment to religious liberty extends beyond its borders. The country is subject to treaties and decisions made by international human rights bodies such as the European Court of Human Rights, the European Court of Justice, and the European Union. These external influences further bolster the protection of religious rights within Spain.
In practice, Spain has taken steps to promote religious freedom and equality. For example, in 2005, Spain became the third country in the European Union to legalize same-sex marriage, demonstrating its commitment to liberal values and the separation of church and state. Additionally, the country has addressed issues of religious education in schools, requiring a minimum of 10 interested students to initiate non-Catholic religious education classes in public schools.
In conclusion, Spain's religious liberty laws are founded on the principles enshrined in the 1978 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of worship and equality for all religious groups. Through a combination of national legislation, international treaties, and practical measures, Spain strives to uphold religious liberty and foster a society where diverse faiths can coexist peacefully.
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Religious demographics in Spain
While Spain does not have an official state religion, it is a traditionally Catholic country. The Constitution requires the government to "take the religious beliefs of Spanish society into account" and to maintain appropriate cooperation with the Catholic Church. This has resulted in the government funding religious services within the prison system for Catholics and Muslims, but not for Jews or Protestants.
According to a 2018 report, the number of followers of minority religions in Spain, including Islam, Judaism, Protestant Christianity, Baha'i, Hinduism, and Buddhism, ranges from 3% to 5% of the population. The same report noted that Islam is the second most widely practised religion in Spain, with approximately 1.9 million followers, or about 4% of the population. The increase in the number of Muslims in Spain is due to large waves of immigrants, mostly from Morocco and other African nations.
In recent years, there has been a decline in the number of Spaniards who identify as Catholic. While a 1980 survey found that 82% of Spaniards were believers in Catholicism, a 2002 survey reported that more than 80% of the population were self-proclaimed Catholics. By 2011, the share of believers had dropped to slightly over 70%, and by June 2025, the Catholic community accounted for 56.1% of the surveyed population. A 2019 report by the Spanish Public Research Institute put this figure at 18.5%. This decline in Catholicism has been attributed to various factors, including the Church's support for the Franco regime and its opposition to economically and socially progressive laws.
Despite the decline in religious affiliation, Catholicism continues to play a significant role in the cultural and traditional aspects of Spanish society. Rituals such as baptism, marriage, and burial of the dead are still commonly observed by Catholics in Spain. Additionally, the more educated a person was, the more likely they were to be a practising Catholic, according to studies from the 1980s.
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Religious practices in Spain
Religion in Spain has historically been dominated by Roman Catholicism, with the religion having a notable presence in the country since the region was part of the Roman Empire. However, in recent years, Spain has become a more religiously diverse country, with a decline in Catholic belief and an increase in other religions, such as Islam and Buddhism.
According to a 2007 study, there were approximately 1.15 million Muslims in Spain, with the majority being recent immigrants from Morocco and other African nations. This has led to a focus on promoting "moderate Islam" in worship practices, with an emphasis on pluralism, understanding, religious tolerance, conflict resolution, and coexistence. The Spanish government has also implemented initiatives to protect religious freedom and manage religious diversity, particularly in response to a rise in hate crimes based on religious beliefs.
A 2025 report found that around 56.1% of the Spanish population identified as Roman Catholic, a decline from previous years where the figure was over 70%. This decline is reflected in the decrease in attendance at Mass, with over 47% of Spanish Catholics never or rarely attending religious services. Despite this, Catholicism still plays a role in the routine observance of important rituals such as baptism, marriage, and burial, with a high number of baptisms and Catholic weddings still being performed each year.
The Spanish Constitution guarantees the freedom to practice religion, and there is no official state religion. However, the government has provided financial resources to the Catholic Church, a contentious issue that has sparked protests from other religious groups. The government also maintains a bilateral agreement with the Holy See and has worked with religious groups on the opening and operation of places of worship.
In addition to Catholics and Muslims, Spain is also home to a small number of Jews, Protestants, Baha'is, Hindus, and Buddhists. The practice of Buddhism has seen some syncretism with the cultural mainstream, with teachings such as reincarnation and karma being adopted by some Spaniards. Overall, Spain's religious landscape is diverse and evolving, with a majority of the population identifying as Catholic, but with a growing presence of other religions and a trend towards irreligion.
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Frequently asked questions
While there are conflicting reports, the majority of sources suggest that the percentage of Catholics in Spain has decreased in recent years. In 2011, 70% of the population identified as Catholic, while a 2019 report placed this figure at 68.3%. A 2023 source states that 56% of Spaniards consider themselves Catholic, but only 18.5% are still practicing.
While Spain has a strong historical association with Catholicism, it is not an officially Catholic country. The Constitution declares Spain a "non-confessional" state, but it is not a secular state either. The Constitution requires the government to "take the religious beliefs of Spanish society into account" and to "maintain appropriate cooperation with the Catholic Church".
Islam is the second most widely practiced religion in Spain, with approximately 1.9 million followers, or roughly 4% of the population. Other minority religions include Judaism, Protestantism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Baha'i.
