New Observatory of Catholicism launched in Paris to track faith trends with scientific data, amid rising baptisms and societal shifts.
Newsroom, June 25, 2024, Gaudium Press – Amid a record number of baptisms, a turning point in the clergy abuse crisis, and a rapidly evolving society, the “Observatory of Catholicism” was officially launched in June 2025 in Paris. This independent initiative aims to provide regular, accurate, and reliable data on Catholicism in France through field surveys conducted by specialists.
Founded by laypeople and funded by private investors, the observatory operates with the approval of the French bishops’ conference but maintains autonomy. Among its key figures is Samuel Pruvot, a senior reporter for Famille Chrétienne with advanced degrees in history and political science, and a recognized expert on contemporary Catholicism and politics.
“The French religious landscape is changing rapidly, and Catholicism is undergoing profound transformation,” Pruvot told OSV News. “We see this daily, but we need structured, scientific, and up-to-date data to measure and analyze these developments.”
The observatory collaborates with the French Institute of Public Opinion (IFOP), France’s leading organization for opinion polls and electoral surveys, under the direction of renowned analyst Jérôme Fourquet. “We developed this project in discussions with Fourquet,” Pruvot said. “In his recent book on French ‘metamorphoses,’ published in October 2024, he noted the decline of Catholicism but also a revival, particularly among young, committed Catholics. He wants to explore this trend further, which aligns with our goals.”
Pruvot emphasized the observatory’s commitment to objectivity, working with historians, sociologists, and journalists free of ideological bias. Its findings will serve the general public, religious and civil leaders, grassroots actors, researchers, and academics. “The bishops are particularly interested,” Pruvot noted. “This tool will help them discern priorities and adjust pastoral and missionary actions.” Bishop Bruno Valentin of Carcassonne and Narbonne, president of the bishops’ council for communication, has been tasked with overseeing the observatory’s progress.
To mark its launch, the observatory released its first survey, “Identity, Practices and Perceptions of Catholicism in France,” conducted by IFOP in February and March 2025. The study revealed significant shifts: only 41% of French people now say they believe in God, down from over 50% in 2021. While 76% of the population is baptized, this drops to 42% among 18- to 24-year-olds, compared to 91% of those over 65. Similarly, 46% identify as Catholic, but only 23% of 18- to 23-year-olds do, compared to 62% of those over 65.
The survey also highlighted declining baptism rates for young children and low Mass attendance among baptized Catholics: only 2% attend weekly, 32% occasionally, and 66% never. The clergy abuse scandal has impacted perceptions, particularly among older generations, with 41% of those over 65 saying it affected their view of the Church, compared to 25% of 18- to 24-year-olds.
Notably, 64% of French people expressed a desire for more silence, contemplation, and meditation in society, and nearly half reported regularly socializing with practicing Christians.
Pruvot described the survey as an introduction to the observatory’s work, with four additional studies already funded to refine these findings. “Catholicism cannot be reduced to numbers,” he said, “but this tool will verify impressions with facts. For instance, we’ve noticed a sharp rise in adult baptisms and confirmations, especially among young adults. Our surveys will clarify and deepen our understanding of such phenomena.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from UCAN News
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