The Catholic Church in the United States is witnessing a remarkable surge in adult conversions, reaching levels not seen in over two decades. Catholic blogger Shane Schaetzel recently shared data showing that “approximately 160,000 adult conversions” have taken place so far in 2025—about the same number as in 2002, according to LifeSite News.
According to Schaetzel, his calculations are based on statistics from Georgetown University’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), Pew Research Center, the National Catholic Register, and Vatican Statistics. He explained that the 2025 numbers are “based upon the number of people who came into the church at the Easter vigil,” and therefore the final tally could be even higher when official figures are published in 2026 (LifeSiteNews).
Explore Catholic Online School’s free RCIA program for adults and take the next step in your journey of faith.
The trend is all the more striking given the sharp decline that preceded it. Conversions dropped steadily between 2000 and 2021, falling to fewer than 60,000. But since then, the Church has seen a dramatic rebound, now standing at a 20-year high. Schaetzel suggested that cultural upheavals played a role, noting his belief that the “COVID-Wokeism nexus” prompted many to seek the stability and truth found in the Catholic faith (LifeSiteNews).
The growth in conversions is not only evident in statistics but also in the lives of public figures who have entered the Church. In recent years, personalities such as Candace Owens, actor Shia LaBeouf, and former NBA All-Star Gordon Hayward have embraced Catholicism. Their journeys reflect the wider renewal taking place among those seeking faith, tradition, and clarity in a world often marked by confusion.
Importantly, this revival is not limited to the United States. Other parts of the world are also reporting increased conversions. For example, in Lutheran-majority Finland, the Catholic Church has experienced growth, while Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney, Australia, reported that conversions in his archdiocese have “increased 26 percent each year over the last five years,” noting a rise in religiosity among Catholic students (LifeSiteNews).
NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF FATIMA FOR CONVERSION – FREE NOVENA PDF DOWNLOAD
This surge in adult conversions is a powerful reminder that the Gospel continues to touch hearts and draw souls to Christ and His Church. As Pope Benedict XVI once said, “The Church grows not by proselytism but by attraction.” In our times of uncertainty, this attraction to the truth of the Catholic faith appears stronger than ever.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
