FRANKFURT (Realist English). Over the past seven days, several contradictory reports have emerged about the state of Christianity in Europe. On the one hand, the Pew Research Center and Eurostat record a record outflow of believers and a reduction in church communities; on the other hand, local data point to mass baptisms and the return of young people to the bosom of the Church.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic dealt a devastating blow to Europe’s religious institutions, accelerating their transformation into cultural and educational centres. Most European cathedrals now operate as tourist attractions rather than places of worship.
Overall flock size: the continent loses its “global centre” status
According to the World Christian Database for 2025:
- Europe (including Russia): 566 million believers, of which 285 million are Catholics and 100 million are Protestants.
The main reason for such a rapid decline in the number of parishioners is not so much conversion to Islam as general secularisation — people raised in Christian families no longer identify with any religion.
According to Pew Research Center, the share of Christians in Europe fell from 74% to 67% over ten years. Over the same period, the number of the unaffiliated (agnostics and atheists) rose to 25%, and Muslims to 6%.
In Western Europe, this process has gone furthest. In the Netherlands and Sweden, non-believers already outnumber Christians. In France, which is now the most religiously diverse state in the European Union, Christians account for less than half of believers — 46% — while the share of Muslims is growing strongly (9%).
At the same time, in Eastern Europe, Christianity still maintains strong cultural positions. The highest retention (preservation of faith) is observed in Hungary (79% of the adult population have kept their faith), Poland and Greece (about 85%), and Italy (73%).
Youth share and “quiet revival”: a departing church or a return to tradition?
Despite the overall gloomy statistics, European experts report an unexpected phenomenon of the last two years — the return of young people (Gen Z) to the church. The generation born in the digital age is choosing traditional forms of religion.
According to GIS Reports for 2025–2026, in Paris the number of catechumens (those undergoing baptism) rose from 522 to 786 people over three years. In London, Catholic church services in 2025 are attended by 41% of young people aged 18–24 — twice as many as Anglican services.
A rise in religiosity is observed in countries that have become epicentres of migration crises:
- Italy: growth in the number of young Catholics to 39%.
- Belgium: 29% more young Christians than among the previous generation.
- Sweden: growth of 24%, and Jesus Christ has become the main contender for “Influencer of the Year” in youth opinion polls.
Data on converts: a baptism boom among atheists
The most striking figures of the past week relate to mass baptisms of adults who previously had no interest in religion.
- France: a real explosion. In 2025, 10,384 baptisms of adults who had not received communion as children were recorded — a 45% increase. By Easter 2026 (according to advance reports), 13,200 converts are expected (+27%).
- United Kingdom: the Archdiocese of Westminster welcomed nearly 800 adults on Easter Sunday 2026 — a 60% increase.
- Spain: a 40% increase (a 20‑year record).
- United States: the Catholic Church recorded 34,500 adult baptisms plus 55,000 conversions from Protestantism — the best figure in two decades.
Expert opinions and forecasts: a split between a fading nature and a new spirituality
Analysts at the Vienna Institute, which studies discrimination against Christians, note a paradox: public authorities in Europe (in most countries) are anti‑Christian (vandalism against churches has risen to 100 attacks per year), yet this does not deter the faithful.
Experts identify two key drivers of growth:
- Seeking refuge. Amid war in Europe, migration pressure and economic instability, the church becomes a “healthy collector” for young people, providing support and clear moral guidelines.
- Rejection of the “spiritual constructor”. Millennials chose eclecticism (yoga, astrology). Today’s youth reject the “mishmash” of philosophies and demand the discipline and fundamental nature of their fathers’ religion.
Nevertheless, the overall forecast for Christianity in Europe by 2050 remains negative: according to Vatican statisticians, Western European countries will have fewer than 20% of practicing believers among their total population. The number of Christians will continue to decline until a steady revival in a small part of the flock outweighs natural attrition.