In this article, we will take a look at the 20 most catholic cities in the US.
Roman Catholicism stands as a defining force in the history of Western civilization, shaping its spiritual course through the ages. Its leadership rests with the pope, who serves as the bishop of Rome. Guiding the church’s overarching governance is the Holy See, its central authority, which addresses matters of faith and morality for the global community of approximately 1.3 billion Catholics. Assisting the Holy See in these monumental tasks is the Roman Curia, a comprehensive assembly comprising dicasteries, congregations, and councils, each assigned precise roles related to various aspects of the church’s functions.
The origins of the Roman Catholic Church can be traced back to Jesus Christ and the Apostles. Through the passage of centuries, it cultivated an intricately developed theology and a sophisticated organizational framework under the leadership of the papacy, which stands as the world’s oldest unbroken absolute monarchy. In terms of its global following, the Roman Catholic Church boasts a larger number of members than almost all other religious traditions combined.
Throughout the initial 280 years of Christian history, the Roman Empire imposed a strict prohibition on Christianity, subjecting its members to severe persecution. This practice shifted profoundly following the so-called “conversion” of the Roman Emperor Constantine. Around AD 313, Constantine enacted the Edict of Milan, heralding a period of religious tolerance that effectively dismantled the restrictions on Christianity.
In a subsequent stride toward cohesion, Constantine convened the Council of Nicea in AD 325. The motivation behind this endeavor was to foster unity within Christianity. Constantine perceived the potential of Christianity as a unifying force for the Roman Empire, which was at the time grappling with internal fragmentation and division. This strategic move reflected Constantine’s vision of employing Christianity to bind together the Roman Empire which was becoming increasingly divided.
The undeniable statistical and historical truths about Catholics underline the importance of grasping the essence of Roman Catholicism. This encompasses comprehending its historical journey, institutional framework, core tenets, rituals, and its global significance. Such knowledge serves as an essential element of cultural literacy, regardless of personal perspectives on life’s profound inquiries, mortality, and matters of faith.
The Catholic Church proclaims itself as the embodiment of the church for which Jesus Christ sacrificed, an institution established and nurtured by the apostles themselves. Throughout its history spanning from the 1700s up to the present day, Catholicism has faced a relatively subdued reception in North America. Up until the late 1900s, locating a Catholic church south of the Mason-Dixon line posed a considerable challenge due to its prohibition in many parts of New England. However, the scenario evolved significantly, and by 2018, the Catholic Church emerged as a formidable presence, encompassing 23% of the United States population. In this capacity, it holds the distinction of being the most extensive single church or Christian denomination across the nation.
Following Brazil, Mexico, and the Philippines, the United States stands as the world’s fourth-largest Catholic population. The establishment of Catholic communities played a significant role in shaping the Western United States. Spain’s early presence extended to the Southeastern region of the United States, with states such as Florida, and Savannah, Georgia, hosting substantial Catholic populations. This compilation won’t talk about the most Catholic towns in America, but it outlines the most Catholic cities in the US.
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Our Methodology
In this article, our focus isn’t on providing a comprehensive overview of the most Catholic states in America. Instead, our emphasis is on pinpointing the specific cities across the US with the highest number of Catholic residents. To compile our list of the 20 most catholic cities in the US, we embarked on comprehensive research, and extracted insights from five distinct and credible sources (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Our initial phase involved identifying more than 40 cities referenced within these sources. Every time a city is mentioned along with a specific count of its Catholic population, we organize the information accordingly and assign a corresponding point. Through meticulous data analysis, we successfully derived our compilation of the 20 most catholic cities in the United States.
20 Most Catholic Cities in the US
20. Pittsburgh
According to a study conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) in Pittsburgh, 36% of the population identified as Catholic. This study assessed the predominant religious affiliations in 30 major U.S. metropolitan areas, each with a population exceeding 50,000 residents.
19. San Antonio
As documented by the Texas State Historical Association, the presence of the Catholic Church has woven itself into the fabric of Texas history since as far back as 1528. The Catholic heritage and customs have left such a profound imprint that the San Antonio Missions hold a distinct place as a National Historical Park. This preservation effort safeguards four of the five Spanish frontier missions situated in San Antonio. These mission sites were initially established to disseminate the Catholic Faith to Native American populations during the formative stages of American history.
Among the architectural landmarks gracing San Antonio, the San Fernando Cathedral stands out not only for its visual look, but also for its historical significance. Dating back to its establishment in 1731, this cathedral holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously functioning religious community in the state of Texas. Additionally, it proudly holds the title of the oldest surviving church building in the entire state.
18. Dallas
Dallas boasts substantial and vibrant Catholic communities, predominantly comprising young individuals who are actively involved. This diversity is reflected not only in their various forms of worship and practices, such as Eastern rites and the Latin mass but also in their status as homes to religious orders and Catholic universities. Despite its strong spiritual foundations, Dallas seamlessly blends its religious vibrancy with the amenities characteristic of major urban centers.
17. Philadelphia
In 1682, William Penn embarked on his visionary “holy experiment” of religious tolerance within the colony of Pennsylvania, providing a haven for not only persecuted Catholics but also adherents of various other faiths. The presence of Catholics in the Philadelphia area dates back to the inception of colonization.
As early as 1707, the Mass was observed openly. A pivotal milestone emerged with the construction of Old Saint Joseph’s Church, the inaugural Catholic church in Philadelphia, established in 1733. This ecclesiastical journey witnessed a remarkable transformation in numbers, with the Catholic population jumping from a modest forty individuals during that era, to approximately eight thousand by the year 1790.
16. Miami
Miami is likely one of the cities with the greatest Catholic population in the US. In the United States, the most significant enclaves of dedicated Catholics are found in rural Midwest areas, originating from the lineage of Central European immigrants. However, these communities are primarily situated away from urban centers. Conversely, a diverse range of Hispanic groups, stemming from more recent waves of immigration, constitutes another noteworthy presence. Notably, many of these Hispanic populations do indeed reside within urban areas like Miami.
In March 2020, the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a temporary shutdown of both secular and religious organizations, impacting their accessibility to the public. Nevertheless, in the resounding words of Archbishop Pérez, “The Catholic Church in Philadelphia is not closing down. It is not disappearing and it will not abandon you,”. Truly enough, the Catholic Church in Philadelphia displayed remarkable resilience, refuting any notions of closure, disappearance, or abandonment.
15. Omaha
Encompassing a span of 23 counties and extending its reach over northeastern Nebraska, the Archdiocese of Omaha, Nebraska, is a spiritual community that unites over 230,000 Catholics. Its roots trace back to its origination as a diocese in 1859, under the leadership of Bishop James M. O’Gorman, an integral figure in its early history. Further insights into the leadership structure can be accessed for more comprehensive information.
14. San Francisco
San Francisco stands out as 14th in our list of the most catholic cities in the US. The city boasts an exceptional archbishop, with a significant presence of major religious orders. A wide spectrum of liturgical practices is offered, including noteworthy large-scale public Catholic events. Admittedly, the city’s exorbitant cost of living and the presence of unconventional elements in the Bay Area are worth considering. However, it’s worth noting that the experience of living there profoundly enriches faith.
Since its inception and throughout its historical evolution, the Archdiocese of San Francisco has been deeply rooted in its identity as “an immigrant Church.” Its foundation was laid upon a framework comprising Spanish-speaking Catholics, with successive waves of early immigrants including Irish, French, German, Italian, and Portuguese Catholics. During the inaugural thirty years of its establishment, under the guidance of Archbishop Alemany, the Archdiocese of San Francisco embarked on an ambitious endeavor. This involved the establishment of an expansive network encompassing schools, orphanages, hospitals, homes for the elderly, and other charitable institutions. The establishment of these vital Catholic institutions owes a profound debt to the unwavering dedication of numerous religious orders of women, whose remarkable efforts were indispensable in bringing these endeavors to fruition.
13. Milwaukee
Ranking 13th on our list of the most catholic cities in the United States is Milwaukee. Milwaukee likely takes the lead when it comes to having a deeply ingrained Catholic culture. During Lent, the tradition of fish fries is nearly a universal practice. Interestingly, it wouldn’t be surprising if even non-Catholics partake in this custom, drawn by the allure of the exceptional Polish cultural center. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Milwaukee’s skyline, though modest, is notably characterized by its distinct feature – church steeples. These architectural landmarks, accounting for at least 60 percent of the skyline, are so unique in design that they even serve as navigational markers within the city.
12. New Orleans
From its earliest moments, with the arrival of Robert Cavelier de la Salle in the Mississippi Valley, and his subsequent claim of the land for both God and King Louis XIV, the future city of New Orleans bore a distinct Catholic essence. With its intricate network of “parishes,” streets christened in honor of saints, a group of over 40 Catholic churches, and a vibrant Catholic culture, New Orleans serves as a prime example of an archetypal U.S. Catholic city.
The roots of New Orleans’ Catholic heritage were firmly planted in 1699 when Father Anastase Douay presided over the inaugural recorded Mass on Louisiana soil, a significant occasion that coincided with Mardi Gras. Since then, a consistent stream of worshippers has congregated, most notably within the solemn walls of the Cathedral of St. Louis situated in Jackson Square.
11. Detroit
Detroit boasts a distinctive blend of traditions that sets it apart from most cities. Its Catholic heritage resembles a rich tapestry woven from diverse threads, including French, Hungarian, German, and Polish influences, along with various other cultural elements. Moreover, Detroit’s demographic makeup encompasses Chaldeans and a mixture of other communities. Additionally, the city is composed of different Orthodox churches in its close proximity. The expansive Detroit region offers a conducive environment for nurturing the traditional Catholic faith.
10. Denver
As the number of Catholic institutions continues to rise, Denver is rapidly emerging as a significant hub of Catholicism. A substantial portion of the revival of faith in the “Mile High City” can be attributed to its role as the host city for World Youth Day in 1993.
As part of his World Youth Day visit, Blessed John Paul II presided over a Mass held in downtown Denver at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. This event alone renders the cathedral a captivating “must-visit” location. Beyond its association with the Blessed John Paul II’s visit, the cathedral stands as a masterpiece in its own right. It features towering 210-foot spires, an altar, statuary, and the bishop’s chair all meticulously crafted from Italian marble. Furthermore, its resplendent beauty is accentuated by 75 stained-glass windows sourced from Munich. Notably, the cathedral was consecrated in 1921 and later attained the status of a minor basilica on December 25, 1989.
9. St. Louis
With 21% (484,000 people) of the total population of the city being Catholics, St. Louis ranks 8th in our list of the most catholic cities in the United States, with 21% of the total population being Catholics. Recognized as the “Rome of the West” due to its profound Catholic heritage, St. Louis played a crucial role in disseminating Catholicism throughout the western portion of the United States. Its significant contribution includes the establishment of the “Old Cathedral,” the Basilica of St. Louis, King, which was founded in 1770. Remarkably, this cathedral stands as the very first Catholic cathedral located to the west of the Mississippi River.
8. Cleveland
Established on April 23, 1847, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cleveland stands as the twenty-third largest diocese in the United States. Encompassing the counties of Cuyahoga, Summit, Lorain, Lake, Geauga, Medina, Wayne, and Ashland, the diocese spans a considerable geographic area.
With a Catholic population exceeding 613,000, it’s notable that the Catholic Charities-Diocese of Cleveland ranks among the world’s most expansive diocesan social service systems. Within this diocese, there are a total of 185 parishes, 108 Catholic schools, a pastoral center, and a mission office.
7. Las Vegas
Dubbed as the “Sin City” since the 1930s, Las Vegas stands as one of the most rapidly expanding Catholic cities in the United States. Within this urban landscape, the Archdiocese of Las Vegas serves a substantial populace, comprising 2.3 million individuals in total. Notably, out of this figure, the U.S. Bishops’ Conference reports that 620,000 individuals identify as Catholics.
Earlier this year, Pope Francis instated a new ecclesiastical province within the United States by raising Las Vegas to the status of a metropolitan archdiocese. This fresh Ecclesiastical Province of Las Vegas will encompass the suffragan dioceses of Reno and Salt Lake City.
6. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., the upcoming site for Pope Francis’ canonization of Junipero Serra on September 23, and his address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress on September 24, secures the 5th spot on our list of the 20 most Catholic cities in the US. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, situated in Washington, D.C., accommodates over 667,000 Catholics, along with 139 parishes and 90 Catholic schools.
5. Minneapolis
With historical origins dating back to the early Catholic missions of the 1840s in Minnesota, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis has a deep-rooted heritage. Established initially as a diocese in 1850, encompassing Minnesota and the Dakotas, its elevation to archdiocese status was conferred by the Holy See in 1888. The present territorial boundaries, spanning the broader 12-county metropolitan region, were formally defined in 1957. A name change occurred in 1966, solidifying its title as the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
Presently, the archdiocese is a spiritual haven for approximately 720,000 Catholics. This community is nurtured by an extensive network comprising hundreds of priests, deacons, and those in consecrated life, as well as a multitude of lay personnel and volunteers. Their collective dedication resonates within 185 parishes, 91 Catholic schools, and a multitude of diverse ministries seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the archdiocese’s operations.
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4. Boston
If there was a single location in the United States where a significant investigation into the Catholic Church could incite a substantial reaction, it was undoubtedly Boston. As noted by Globe reporter Rezendes, it held the distinction of being “the most Catholic major city in the country.” While New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Chicago ranked higher in terms of population, Boston outstripped them all in terms of the proportion of Catholics. In 2001, among the 3.8 million individuals residing in the Boston metropolitan area, around 2 million identified as Catholic.
Prior to the substantial influx of Catholic Irish and Italians who migrated to urban centers like Boston, the Catholic Church in the US primarily functioned as a missionary entity. As per the American Values Atlas, Boston possesses one of the highest Catholic populations among major cities in the United States, standing at 31%.