From Vaticannews · Vatican News · · 30s
Catholics Rise Globally as Priests Slightly Increase
Worldwide Catholic population grows to 1.422 billion with slight priest increase.
In brief
Worldwide Catholic population grows to 1.422 billion with slight priest increase. Catholics worldwide reached 1.422 billion in 2026, with priests rising slightly and religious sisters declining. Originally reported by Vaticannews.
Global Catholic Growth
Catholics worldwide rose by 16.69 million to 1.422 billion in 2026.
Priests Slightly Increase
Total priests reached 407,421, up 425 from 2025.
Religious Sisters Decline
Women religious fell by 9,292 to 580,131 in 2026.
Seminarians Drop
Major seminarians fell by 2,891 to 103,604 in 2026.
The main idea
Catholics worldwide reached 1.422 billion in 2026, with priests rising slightly and religious sisters declining.
