Catholic Church in Germany loses half a million parishioners in 2025
The Cologne Cathedral in Germany. Photo: berlin24
Germany has faced a new decline in the number of believers: in 2025, the Catholic Church in the country lost 549,636 members, reports pch24.pl.
According to the German Bishops' Conference, 307,117 people officially left the Catholic Church in just one year. Many do this to avoid paying the church tax collected by the state, as well as due to loss of trust in church structures.
Taking into account the total number of departures, deaths, and baptisms, the Catholic Church in Germany decreased by 549,636 members in 2025. Currently, there are 19,219,601 Catholics living there. This represents approximately 23% of the total population.
The head of the conference, Bishop Heiner Wilmer, expressed regret over the new wave of departures from the Church, emphasizing that each such decision is a source of pain for the faithful. He noted that the Roman Catholic Church is in need of spiritual renewal and the restoration of trust. Observers note that the scale of the exodus does not depend on whether the bishop is more conservative or liberal.
As the UOJ reported, in Germany, Muslim students forced their classmates to observe Ramadan.
Read also
Stefanchuk: Seeking UCCRO-LGBT compromise on new Civil Code
The Verkhovna Rada speaker said the working group is seeking a broad public compromise as it revises the draft of the new Civil Code.
Rabbi thanks SBU for arresting Ukrainian over antisemitic threats
Moshe Azman called for those who incite religious hatred to be held accountable, warning that the line between online threats and real-world violence can be very thin.
Pochaiv Lavra calls for fasting ahead of Kyiv Metropolia court hearing
The Pochaiv Lavra Spiritual Council called on the faithful to unite in prayer and fasting from October 5 through 7.
Russian strike damages Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Sumy for fourth time
One of the aerial bombs struck the cemetery in Sumy, causing extensive damage to the church’s facade, roof and interior.
Baptist in Volyn gets suspended sentence for refusing mobilization
The Baptist denied being a draft evader, saying his religious beliefs prevent him from taking up arms.
Hundreds of faithful honor St. Kuksha in Odesa
Pilgrims had the opportunity to venerate the relics of St. Kuksha at the Dormition Monastery in Odesa.