Pope Leo XIV Addresses "surprising" Catholic Growth in Cecular France

Pope Leo XIV met with new and prospective Catholics and their leaders at the Catholic Institute of Paris on Saturday to discuss the growth of the Church in a secular society. During the meeting, the pope encouraged the Church in France to balance welcoming new members with educating them on the tenets of the faith. He noted that this growth appears paradoxical given France's deeply secular culture, where more than half of adults report no religious affiliation.

Data from France's national demographic institute shows that while 29% of the population identifies as Catholic, only 8% attend Church regularly. Despite this, the Church has seen record-breaking baptism numbers. In 2026, France recorded more than 20,000 baptisms among adults and adolescents, a 20% increase from 2025 and a significant rise from 2024. The pope said people join the Church for various reasons, including personal hardship or a search for meaning.

The visit took place at the university hall where the new Provincial Ecclesial Assembly of Île-de-France will hold three sessions starting in mid-October. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris said more than 350 people from eight dioceses and the Military Ordinariate will participate in the assembly to discuss catechumens and neophytes.