Story perspectives
Africa Surpasses Europe as World’s Largest Catholic Region
By Drooid · · How we work
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Story summary
- Vatican City announced Africa now holds the largest share of Catholics, overtaking Europe.
- The Fides agency reported 288.31 million Catholics in Africa and 287.24 million in Europe as of June 30 2024.
- Africa added 7.58 million Catholics (2.7 % increase) between 2023 and 2024, outpacing Europe’s 911 000 gain.
- Global priests rose by 425 to 407,421, marking the first increase in five years.
- Women religious and major seminarians declined worldwide, raising concerns about future clergy resources.