From Fides:
The number of Catholics worldwide is increasing, and the number of priests is growing again, albeit slightly. Meanwhile, the number of women religious and major seminarians continues to decrease, while the contribution of lay missionaries and catechists is increasing.
As every year, in view of World Mission Sunday, which this year celebrates its 100th anniversary on Sunday, October 18, 2026, on the theme “One in Christ, united in mission”, Fides News Agency offers some statistics chosen to give a panorama of the Church in the world in the last year.
For the first time in five years, according to the dossier, the worldwide number of priests has increased, reaching 407,421, an increase of 425 compared to previous data.
The overall rise reflects increases in Africa (+1,676), Asia (+1,065) and the Americas (+199), that compensate decreases in Europe (-2,483) and Oceania (-32). The numbers in the Americas increased after recording a decrease in the previous year.
The number of diocesan priests increased to 279,238 (+496), while the number of religious priests decreased to 128,183 (-71). Despite the slight overall increase in the number of priests, the average number of Catholics per priest also increased, reaching 3,491, or 38 more faithful per priest compared to previous data. This ratio increased in the Americas, Europe and Oceania, while decreased in Africa and Asia.
The number of bishops reached 5,525, an increase of 95 units: 4,365 diocesan bishops and 1,160 religious.
The number of women religious worldwide is 580,131, a decrease of 9,292 compared to previous year data. Africa was the only continent to record an increase (+2,190). Numbers decreased in Europe (-6,473), the Americas (-4,432), Asia (-320) and Oceania (-257).
And there is this:
The number of permanent deacons also continued to grow, reaching 52,102 (+669), largely owing to increases in the Americas (+424) and Europe (+236).
