As of 31 December 2021, the number of Catholics was 1,375,852,000 an overall increase of 16,240,000 Catholics over the previous year. The increase affects all continents except Europe (-244,000). As in the past it is most marked growth is in Africa (+8,312,000) and America (+6,629,000), followed by Asia (+1,488,000) and Oceania (+55,000).
The total number of bishops worldwide decreased by 23 to 5,340. The number of diocesan bishops (-1) and religious bishops (-22) decreased. There are 4,155 diocesan bishops and 1,185 religious bishops.
The number of priests reached 407,872, with increases in Africa (+1,518), Asia (+719) and Oceania (+11).
Permanent deacons worldwide continue to increase, this year by 541 to 49,176. The increases occurred on all continents: Africa (+59), America (+147), Asia (+58), Europe (+268) and Oceania (+9).
Non-priestly religious increase in Africa (+205) and Asia (+25), but decrease in America (-311), Europe (-599) and Oceania (-115).
In the field of education and upbringing, the Church runs 74,368 kindergartens worldwide attended by 7,565,095 pupils; 100,939 primary schools for 34,699,835 pupils; 49,868 secondary schools for 19,485,023 pupils. In addition, it follows 2,483,406 high school pupils and 3,925,325 university students.
The complete dossier with updated statistics is available in English on Fides at the following link.
