Minus 40% of Priests: Demographic Crisis in the Catholic Church in Spain

In Spain, the number of Catholic priests has decreased by 40% over the past decades. This is stated in the report “The Demography of the Catholic Church on the Threshold of the Third Millennium”, prepared by the Spanish Center for Research, Formation, and Social Analysis (CEFAS). The information was reported by the Polish Catholic portal Wiara.pl.

The document highlights a deep crisis in the country’s religious life: “The Catholic Church in Spain is facing a sharp decline in vocations, religious practice, and participation in the sacraments, despite its significant role in education, social support, and culture,” the authors note.

According to the study, which was actively discussed in Spanish media on Tuesday, July 29, only 18% of marriages in the country are now celebrated in church. Civil marriages first outnumbered church weddings back in 2008. Analysts attribute these changes to both general secularization and a notable increase in non-Catholic populations in Spain due to mass migration.

Earlier, we reported that the Orthodox Church of Finland is preparing to downsize its real estate due to financial difficulties. The country has over 250 church buildings, but there are insufficient funds for their maintenance and renovation. Parish income is not enough to cover major repairs, and the Church’s Central Fund is also unable to finance all the restoration needs. This decision has been described as unavoidable.