Washington: A new survey by the Pew Research Center has offered a detailed picture of the Catholic population in the United States showing stability in overall numbers while highlighting ongoing challenges in keeping people connected to the faith.
According to the findings reported by Catholic News Agency the study shows that about 19 percent of adults in the United States identify as Catholic. This figure has remained largely steady over recent years even as religious affiliation continues to change across the country.
The survey explains that most Catholics in the United States were raised in the faith and continue to practice it as adults. A smaller share joined the Church later in life after being raised in another religion. Many Catholics who remain in the Church say their faith gives meaning to their lives helps meet their spiritual needs and is closely tied to their personal beliefs.
At the same time the survey highlights that a significant number of Americans who were raised Catholic no longer identify with the Church. Many former Catholics say they stopped believing in Catholic teachings or felt that religion became less important in their daily lives. Others say they gradually drifted away rather than making a sudden decision to leave.
The study also points to trust and connection as key issues. Some former Catholics say doubts about Church leadership or feeling disconnected from religious institutions played a role in their departure. These reasons reflect broader trends seen across many religious groups in the United States.
Recent Pew data adds further context to the findings. The Catholic community in the United States is becoming more diverse with a large and growing share of Hispanic Catholics alongside White Asian Black and other communities. Hispanic Catholics now make up more than a third of all Catholics in the country making them a central part of the Church’s present and future.
Despite concerns about people leaving the faith Pew researchers note that the overall share of Catholics in the national population has not sharply declined in recent years. This suggests a level of long term stability even as individual beliefs and levels of practice vary widely.
The survey results underline a complex reality for the Catholic Church in the United States. While many believers continue to find deep meaning in their faith the reasons people leave point to the need for stronger engagement clearer teaching and renewed trust. As religious identity continues to evolve the study shows that Catholicism remains a significant and enduring presence in American society.