Germany’s Catholic population has fallen below 20 million for the first time, according to the latest Church statistics published by the German Bishops’ Conference (DBK) on March 27, 2025.
This marks a significant moment in the history of the Church in Germany, reflecting the ongoing decline in religious affiliation.
Steady Decline in Catholic Numbers
The total number of Catholics in Germany now stands at 19,769,237, a notable decrease from 20,345,872 in 2023.
Despite a slight slowdown in the decline compared to previous years, the trend remains evident.
Of this number, only 6.6% — around 1.3 million — are active practitioners who attend Mass regularly on Sundays, a drop that underscores the diminishing role of organized religion for many.
Catholics Now Less Than a Quarter of Germany’s Population
Germany’s total population is approximately 83.6 million, meaning Catholics now represent less than a quarter of the population.
The figures also show that fewer than 2% of the entire German population attends Mass regularly, further emphasizing the shift away from traditional religious practices.
Church Losses Outpace Gains
In 2024, the Church saw over 321,000 people officially leave the faith, a process known as resignation, which involves a declaration followed by exemption from paying church tax and formal excommunication.
This stark contrast is highlighted by just around 6,600 new members and readmissions.
Baptisms were also down, with 116,000 recorded, compared to over 131,000 the previous year.
On the other hand, the number of burials in the Church totaled almost 213,000.
Regional Variations in Mass Attendance
The percentage of Catholics attending Mass regularly varies significantly across Germany’s dioceses.
The smallest German diocese, Görlitz, stands out with the highest attendance at 14.4%, followed by two other eastern dioceses, Dresden-Meissen and Erfurt, which also boast double-digit attendance.
Additionally, the Bavarian dioceses of Eichstätt and Regensburg are also seeing relatively higher participation.
Declining Participation in Certain Dioceses
On the other end of the spectrum, dioceses like Aachen and Trier are struggling with low Mass attendance, with only 4.5% of their Catholic populations attending Sunday services.
This reflects a broader trend of declining religious engagement, especially in some western and larger dioceses.
A Shift in Germany’s Religious Landscape
These statistics highlight a growing trend in Germany, with a clear shift away from institutional religion.
As more people resign from the Church and fewer participate in religious activities, the Catholic Church’s role in German society continues to diminish.
This report, originally published by CNA Deutsch, has been translated and adapted for broader audiences.