Catholic identity in the United States remains widespread and influential, even amid shifting cultural and religious landscapes. A newly released Pew Research Center report reveals that “nearly half of U.S. adults—47%—have some connection to Catholicism,” underscoring that “Catholicism’s roots in the United States run deep.”
These findings invite both reflection and renewal within the Church. Why does this matter? Because despite increasing secularism, the Catholic faith continues to shape hearts, families, and communities across the country—whether through belief, cultural memory, or sacramental life. This persistence points to the Church’s enduring call to evangelize, form, and accompany.
The Pew report, titled “U.S. Catholicism: Connections to the Religion, Beliefs and Practices,” was based on a nationally representative survey of 9,544 U.S. adults—including 1,787 self-identified Catholics—conducted from Feb. 3–9. While 20% of U.S. adults say they are Catholic, an additional 9% describe themselves as “culturally Catholic,” 9% are ex-Catholic, and another 9% report ties to the Church through a Catholic spouse, parent, or previous Mass attendance.
According to Pew, the survey was conducted “prior to the hospitalization of Pope Francis on Feb. 14 and his death in April, and well before the conclave that elected his successor, Pope Leo XIV.” Still, its insights remain highly relevant for the post-Francis Church in America.
What do Catholics say defines their faith? The vast majority—69%—said “having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ” is essential to their Catholic identity. Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary ranked second at 50%, followed closely by “working to help the poor and needy” (47%) and “receiving the Eucharist” (46%). Other markers included opposition to abortion, celebrating feast days, caring for migrants, and papal primacy, each ranked among 14 items Pew asked Catholics to evaluate.
Mass attendance continues to serve as a strong indicator of Catholic commitment. While only “about 3 in 10 Catholic participants surveyed attend Mass weekly,” those who do were far more likely to say that all 14 items were essential to their Catholic life, compared to those who attend less frequently.
Still, American Catholicism is not monolithic in practice. According to Pew, only 13% of Catholics both pray daily, attend Mass weekly, and go to confession annually. On the other end of the spectrum, another 13% say they “seldom or never” do any of these. “The largest share of Catholics (74%) fall somewhere in the middle,” the report noted. “They may pray. They may attend Mass. They may go to confession. But they don’t regularly do all three.”
This sobering reality does not diminish the presence of grace—it reveals where renewal is needed most. The faith is present, even if dormant in some. And where there is even a spark of belief or memory, there is hope for reawakening. For the Church in the U.S., this means a call to deepen catechesis, revive Marian devotion, and offer compelling witness to the Eucharist—while accompanying Catholics at every stage of faith.
As the Church continues under the leadership of Pope Leo XIV, and amid ongoing cultural shifts, these findings serve as both encouragement and challenge. Catholicism remains deeply connected to millions of Americans. Now, it is up to the Church to fan those embers into flame.
