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Record Adult Conversions Boost Catholic Church Amid Declines

4/5/2026

33 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

During the Easter Vigil in 2026, many adults are expected to join the Catholic Church.
Data from The Pillar shows that from 2022 to 2024, 81% of U.S. dioceses reported rising new adult Catholics, while 2000–2019 saw declines.
Dioceses of Newark and Philadelphia have recorded record numbers of converts in 2026.
Overall, new adult Catholics are down 31% from 2000, while infant baptisms continue to decline.

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Story summary

During the Easter Vigil in 2026, many adults are expected to join the Catholic Church.
Data from The Pillar shows that from 2022 to 2024, 81% of U.S. dioceses reported rising new adult Catholics, while 2000–2019 saw declines.
Dioceses of Newark and Philadelphia have recorded record numbers of converts in 2026.
Overall, new adult Catholics are down 31% from 2000, while infant baptisms continue to decline.