Pope Leo XIV is set to begin his first visit to France on Friday, a country where Catholicism has declined significantly but is experiencing a resurgence of interest among the youth. While there is enthusiasm, experts warn that growing adult baptisms and crowds of young attendees do not necessarily indicate a broader revival of the faith.
Before even arriving, the Pope’s face has graced the cover of this week’s Paris Match, with a headline portraying him as the pontiff eager to reconnect with France. Reports indicate that 800,000 people have registered to meet him at various events, including at the Stade de France on Friday and at a mass on the Champs-Élysées on Saturday.
Despite being home to approximately 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, France presents unique challenges for the Church. Only a third of the population now identifies as Catholic, and just 5% actively practice their faith. Infant baptisms have plummeted, with many now identifying as having no religious affiliation.
François Mabille, head of the Geopolitical Observatory of Religion in Paris, likens the Catholic situation in France to a “laboratory” where broader European trends can be observed. He notes a dramatic decline in religious marriages and a drop in the number of priests, with only 80 ordinations reported this year and about 3,000 foreign priests currently serving in the country.
Mabille describes the Church in France as weak, lacking social or political influence, citing recent legislation on assisted dying and constitutional recognition of the right to abortion as examples of societal shifts in contrast to the Church’s stance.
Despite the overall decline, there are signs of renewed interest among young people, with an estimated 20,000 adult and adolescent baptisms reported this year, expected to rise to 26,000 by December. After experiencing personal challenges, many like Ewen, who was baptised recently, express a search for community and meaning in their faith.
However, while adult baptisms might indicate a revival, this trend stands in stark contrast to the continued decrease in infant baptisms, which have fallen to just 20% from 90% in the early 1960s. This shift reflects a change in how individuals come to faith, moving from inherited to chosen Catholicism.
Mabille suggests the Church will need to adapt to this change in demographics and perspectives, as many joining have little to no Catholic background.
In this evolving landscape, sociologist Yann Raison du Cleuziou remarks that younger Catholics are increasingly expressing their identity, akin to the way young Muslims visibly celebrate their faith. This year’s meeting of 80,000 young people with the Pope at Stade de France is said to be a significant display of this new generation.
While there is optimism regarding Leo’s visit, it remains uncertain what impact it will have on Catholicism in France. Bishops may interpret the youth gathering as a sign of renewal, but ongoing trends in secularisation suggest cautious realism is needed. Mabille notes that past events, such as John Paul II’s visit in 1997, did not lead to lasting change, highlighting the deeper, structural issues facing the Church today.
