The worldwide percentage of Catholics decreased slightly (-0.01) from the previous year to 17.73 percent. Continents show little change except Oceania, which is stable.
Church constituencies increased by only 1 unit from the previous year to 3,027.
Diocesan bishops increased (+22), but religious bishops decreased (-23). In total, there are 4,156 diocesan bishops and 1,207 religious bishops.
The total number of priests reached 410,219, with significant increases in Africa (+1,004) and Asia (+778).
Permanent deacons worldwide continue to increase overall, this year by 397 to 48,635. The increases occurred in America (+558) and Oceania (+38).
The number of Lay Missionaries worldwide is 413,561, a global increase of 3,121.
In the field of education, the Church operates 72,785 kindergartens worldwide attended by 7,510,632 pupils; 99,668 elementary school for 34,614,488 pupils; 49,437 secondary schools for 19,252,704 pupils. It also follows 2,403,787 high school pupils and 3,771,946 college students.
