On April 3, 2000 the Holy See released an annual statistical summary of
the world's Catholic population. It shows an increase in the number of Catholics globally,
with a slightly higher growth rate than in the overall world population. There were 17.4
baptized Catholics for every 100 people in the world by the end of 1998. (About 1.04
billion Catholics).
World Catholics by Location:
- Nearly 1/2 of the world's Catholics live in the Western Hemisphere
- 30 % in Latin America
- 15 % in North America
- 30 % in Europe
- 12 % in Africa
- Asia, the most populous continent, boasts only 12 % with most of those Catholics in
Southeast Asia.
- 1 % Oceania
- Since 1978, Europe has fewer Catholics, Africa and Asia more.
# of Catholic Bishops:
Large Increase 4,439 up from 3,714 in 1978. Greatest increases in Africa.
# of Priests Worldwide:
Declined from 420,971 in 1978 to 404,626 today, especially high in Europe and North
America.
# of Religious Order Priests:
Declined from 158,486 in 1978 to 140,424 today
# of Diocesan Priests:
Increased slightly 264,202 from 262,485 in 1978, with lively growth in vocations in
Africa. The decline in the number of priests may soon reverse because more are studying
for the priesthood.
# of Seminarians:
Increased to 109,171 from 62,670 in 1978. Again, the growth is most visible in Africa,
with Latin America not too far behind.
Thank You Lord, for our Priests and Seminarians who have answered Your
call. |
