The New Converts

Catholicism is seeing its highest number of conversions since before Covid, according to an analysis by Heidi Schlumpf for Commonweal.

While many people previously joined the Church to marry a Catholic, that trend has declined. Current data suggests that fewer than half of new converts join for marriage, with another study placing that figure closer to one quarter.

The rising numbers of converts include a notable increase among young people. Schlumpf notes that while some analyses suggest these converts are drawn to the cultural and political conservatism linked to Catholicism, others suggest they are seeking truth and tradition.