(DICI) The number of practicing Catholics in the world is still decreasing, says the American Catholic weekly National Catholic Reporter, based on the latest statistical data gathered by the Vatican.
In 2010 the total number of Catholics worldwide reached 1.2 billion. There was a 29% increase over the past 20 years. Europe is the only continent to register a decrease of 1%. The data concerning sacramental practice show a much weaker increase than it ought to have been, taking into account the growth in the number of Catholics. The figures concerning First Communions and Confirmations, in particular, clearly show a decline in the practice of Catholicism throughout the world, especially in Europe with an 18% decrease in confirmations over the last 20 years.
