Catholicism is one of the major religions in the world, as evidenced by these 11 countries with highest catholic population. Most of these countries are from Europe and America, and only one from Asia.
Catholic doctrines are still evident in our present world. As members of the congregation, Roman Catholics still follow the beliefs and traditions which were practiced during the old times. Some of those beliefs and traditions are going to the mass, following the ten commandments, and celebrating the Christmas day, among others. All these influence our lives regardless of our beliefs.
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But just like any other major religion, Catholicism is faced with a declining number of followers as the number of atheists grow around the globe. Even so, the Vatican still takes care of plenty of souls. Once the dominant religion in the world, Catholicism’s rigid dogma has left them behind the times, increasing the number of dissatisfied followers leaving the flock.
Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, seems to have brought a dash of fresh air into the Vatican and for the first time in a long period, the Catholic population in the world seems to be on the rise. How long the trend continues depends solely on His Holiness ability to battle entrenched opposition within Vatican, who consider every change in the dogma a heresy. Truth be told, if these were some older times, Pope could easily find himself on the wrong end of a stake, with a nice cozy fire beneath his feet.
From the 11 countries with highest Christian population, let us find which among these countries are included in the list of 11 countries with highest Catholic population. We have gathered the population data from Pew Research Center. The said data is based on 2010 Catholic population count.
So, let us now move to the list of 11 countries with highest Catholic population.
11. Argentina
Total Catholic Population: 31 020 000
Catholics in Argentina account for some 77% of the countries entire population. This is where Pope Francis was born, specifically in Buenos Aires. The members of the Catholic congregation were in exceeding joy as they celebrated Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires being elected as the new pope last March 13, 2013.
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10. The Democratic Republic of the Congo
Total Catholic Population: 31 180 000
The Catholic population in DR Congo comprises about 47% of their entire population. It was around the 15th century when the Roman Catholic missionaries landed in the country to spread Christianity. The faith had grown in the early 20th century under Belgian rule.
9. Spain
Total Catholic Population: 34 670 000
Spain is the country that has contributed the most to the spreading of Catholicism around the world. At present, around 75% of the country’s entire population are Catholics.
8. Poland
Total Catholic Population: 35 290 000
It was in the 10th century that Catholicism began to gain a foothold in Poland. Undeniably, the Catholic faith has played a significant role in the history of the country. One remarkable fact of a significant role of Catholicism in Polish history is the life of the late Pope, now St John Paul II. Catholics account for some 92% of the Poland’s entire population.
7. France
Total Catholic Population: 37 930 000
Along with Spain and Poland, France was also challenged as the members of the Catholic churches undeniably decreased. Even worse, some churches have been technically empty. With around 38 million Catholics that comprise 60% of the population, there was a huge effect on the church as they experience this decline.
6. Colombia
Total Catholic Population: 38 100 000
Catholicism was introduced in the country in 1508. Though Colombia has achieved its independence from Spain in 1819, Catholicism remained a dominant religion in the country. Some 82% of the country’s entire population are Catholics.
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5. Italy
Total Catholic Population: 50 250 000
Italy is the center of Catholicism, specifically Vatican City, Rome. Considered as the “Home of the Roman Catholic Church”, Rome is where Saint Peter traveled after Jesus’ crucifixion and ministered as a bishop. until his death. 83% of Italy’s population are Roman Catholics.
4. The United States of America
Total Catholic Population: 74 470 000
According to Fr. Robert Fox, during the early days of English colony the rights of the Catholics were not respected until the end of the 19th century. The United States is considered the country with highest Christian population yet the Catholics comprise only 24% of its population.
3. Philippines
Total Catholic Population: 75 940 000
When the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed on the Phillippines in the 16th century, his mission was to trade spices and to spread Catholicism. It would seem that his death wasn’t in vain since 81% of the country’s population today are Catholics.
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2. Mexico
Total Catholic Population: 96 330 000
Spanish missionaries and colonists brought Catholicism to Mexico in the 16th century. The conversion of indigenous people to Christianity was achieved with the Bible, but mostly with the sword. Catholics in the country comprise 85% of its entire population.
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1. Brazil
Total Catholic Population: 133 660 000
Catholicism in the country was brought by the Jesuits in the 16th century. It is considered as the dominant religion in the country as 69% of Brazil’s entire population are Catholics, which makes Brazil the first among the 11 countries with highest Catholic population.
