'Francis effect' drawing thousands of Catholics back to churches, survey suggests
November 11, 2013
Catholic priests report that a “Francis effect” is boosting the size of congregations in Italy and Britain.
Slightly over half (51%) of priests interviewed in a recent Italian survey reported a significant rise in Mass attendance since the election of the new Pontiff. In a more limited survey, 65% of British priests had the same observation. Italian research Massimo Introvigne concluded that “we’re talking about hundreds of thousands of people” who are returning to active practice of the Catholic faith.
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Posted by: normnuke -
Nov. 11, 2013 7:36 PM ET USA
I hope this is a good sign.
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Posted by: 1Jn416 -
Nov. 11, 2013 7:29 PM ET USA
Defender - If they are not, perhaps they will be some day. Such is the genius of Pope Francis. People can hardly be catechized if they won't set foot inside a church, but draw them in and they may become faithful followers of our Lord.
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Posted by: Defender -
Nov. 11, 2013 3:20 PM ET USA
I doubt they are orthodox/conservative or whatever.
