How Many Catholics Are There in the World?

What’s Driving the Rise in Catholic Conversions Across the US?

ZENIT Staff

A recent New York Times report highlighted a surge in adult conversions to Catholicism across the United States, with dioceses from New Jersey to Oregon reporting significant increases in new members entering the church through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.

UK: Bishop Hendricks urges responsible use of artificial intelligence

ZENIT Staff

Recognising the rapid progression of AI, Bishop Hendricks explained that while it isn’t yet possible to share a definitive Bishops’ Conference policy, it is nonetheless important to be part of the conversation, especially given the ethical concerns which AI raises.

Brazilian student acquitted after facing years in prison for calling abortion murder

ZENIT Staff

The court ultimately ruled in her favor, recognizing that her statements were protected expressions of religious belief and opinion rather than criminal incitement

Oldest Benedictine Abbey in the West Approaches Landmark 1500th Anniversary

Rafael Llanes

The historic Benedictine monastery was founded by St. Benedict of Nursia in 529 and was the cradle of the Benedictine Order.

Problem Resolved: Cardinal Patriarch of Jerusalem Meets and Reaches Agreement with Israeli Police for Remaining Holy Week Celebrations

ZENIT Staff

The Police and Ecclesial Authorities have agreed that, due to the complex security situation, the remaining Holy Week and Easter ceremonies will be celebrated in a symbolic and limited manner.

How Many Catholics Are There in the World? The Catholic Church Reaches a Record of 1,422 Billion. These Are the Data from the 2026 Pontifical Yearbook

ZENIT Staff

The most recent data, corresponding to 2024, indicates that the number of clergy worldwide totals 465,048, with 5,525 Bishops, 407,421 priests, and 52,102 permanent deacons. The number of priests worldwide increased by 425, rising from 406,996 in 2023 to 407,421 in 2024.

Pope Leo XIV continues to restructure the Roman Curia: new Vatican No. 3 and prefect of the Papal Household

Valentina di Giorgio

At the center of the reshuffle stands the appointment of Paolo Rudelli as Substitute for General Affairs in the Secretariat of State, a role often described—without exaggeration—as the Vatican’s “chief of staff.”

German bishops push their progressive agenda in Rome: an audience with Pope Leo XIV and the presentation of a synodal project to the Curia

ZENIT Staff

The proposed Synodal Conference would function as a permanent body at the national level, where bishops and lay members jointly discuss and decide on matters ranging from governance and accountability to sexual ethics and the role of women in the Church

Pope Leo XIV Reverses Another Decision of Pope Francis: World Children’s Day Cancelled in Rome

ZENIT Staff

All initiatives aimed at children’s ministry may be celebrated, at the discretion of the Bishops, at the diocesan or parish level.

Questions about liturgy: Prayers Over the People

Fr. Edward McNamara

Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy and sacramental theology at the Pontifical Regina Apostolorum university.