Europe is home to some of the world’s oldest Catholic countries. Catholicism has played a significant role in the region’s history, culture, and politics. And while the religion has seen a decline in recent years, there are still many Catholic countries in Europe.
If you’re curious about which European countries have the highest percentage of Catholics, you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog post, we will take a look at the most Catholic countries in Europe by percentage. We will also explore the reasons for the decline of Catholicism in the region and what the future may hold for the religion.
Most Catholic Countries in Europe
Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world and it is also one of the most Catholic countries in Europe. The country is home to the Vatican, which is the headquarters of the Catholic Church. More than 90% of the population in Vatican City are Catholics.
The Vatican City is a sovereign city-state that covers an area of just over 100 acres. It is located within Rome, Italy and it has a population of around 1,000 people. The Vatican City is governed by the Holy See, which is the central governing body of the Catholic Church. The Pope is the head of state for Vatican City and he resides in the Apostolic Palace within the Vatican City.
Vatican City has its own flag and anthem and it issues its own stamps and coins. The economy of Vatican City is supported mainly by donations from Catholics around the world as well as tourists who come to visit religious sites such as St. Peter’s Basilica.
Malta
Malta is a small island country located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe with a population of over 400,000 people. The official language of Malta is Maltese, which is a Semitic language closely related to Arabic and Hebrew.
Malta has been inhabited since the Bronze Age and has a long history of Catholicism. In fact, Malta was once an important center of Christianity and was home to many famous saints, including Saint Paul. Today, Malta is one of the most Catholic countries in Europe with over 95% of the population identifying as Catholic.
While Malta is a small country, it punches above its weight when it comes to Catholicism. In addition to being one of the most Catholic countries in Europe, Malta is also home to the world’s oldest standing temple, Ħaġar Qim. This megalithic temple dates back to approximately 3600 BC and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Croatia
There are many Catholic countries in Europe, but Croatia is one of the most Catholic. In fact, over 90% of the population identifies as Catholic. This makes Croatia one of the most religious countries in Europe.
The majority of Croatians are Roman Catholics. The Catholic Church has played an important role in Croatian history and culture for centuries.Croatia is also home to a significant number of Eastern Orthodox Christians and Muslims.
Catholicism arrived in Croatia with the arrival of the first Croatian rulers in the 7th century. Since then, the Church has been an important part of Croatian society. The Church has been involved in education, healthcare, and social welfare throughout history. In more recent times, the Church has been a vocal opponent of communism and a supporter of democracy and human rights.
Today, there are over 4 million Catholics living in Croatia. The country has dozens of beautiful churches and cathedrals, many of which date back centuries. If you’re looking to experience some incredible Catholic architecture and history, Croatia is definitely worth a visit!
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country located in Southeastern Europe. The population of Bosnia and Herzegovina is 4,354,000, and the country has a land area of 19,741 square miles. Catholicism is the largest religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with approximately 58% of the population identifying as Catholic. Islam is the second largest religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with approximately 28% of the population identifying as Muslim. Orthodox Christianity is the third largest religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with approximately 10% of the population identifying as Orthodox Christian.
Monaco
The Principality of Monaco is the second smallest country in Europe (after the Vatican City), and is located on the French Riviera in Western Europe. Monaco is bordered by France to the north, east, and west, and by the Mediterranean Sea to the south. With an area of just 2.02 km2 (0.78 sq mi), Monaco is also the most densely populated sovereign state in the world, with a population of 38,682 per square kilometer.
Monaco has been ruled by the House of Grimaldi since 1297, when Francesco Grimaldi seized control of the Rock of Monaco while disguised as a Franciscan monk. The principality has been a constitutional monarchy since 1911, with Prince Albert II as its head of state. However, effective power rests with a princely council known as the Crown Council.
Although Monaco is not a member state of the European Union (EU), it participates in certain EU policies, including customs and antitrust regulations. The official religion in Monaco is Roman Catholicism; however, freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution. Approximately 90% of Monaco’s residents are Catholic, making it one of the most Catholic countries in Europe (by percentage).
San Marino
San Marino is a sovereign state located in the Apennine Mountains. It is the third smallest country in Europe after the Vatican City and Monaco. San Marino has a population of about 33,000 and an area of 61 km2. It is the oldest republic in the world, founded on 3 September 301 by Marinus of Rab, a Christian stonemason.
San Marino’s constitution promotes freedom of religion and guarantees equality before the law for all citizens regardless of their religious beliefs. However, Catholicism is the official religion of San Marino and it is also one of the main influences in society and culture.
The Catholic Church plays an important role in education, health care and social welfare in San Marino. There are 10 Catholic schools in the country, which educate around 5,000 pupils. The Church also runs a number of hospitals and clinics.
Around 80% of San Marino’s population are Catholic. This makes it one of the most Catholic countries in Europe, along with Malta (where over 90% of the population are Catholic) and Italy (where around 70% are Catholic).
When it comes to Catholicism, Europe is about as diverse as it gets. With over 700 million Catholics in the continent, there is a wide range of countries that practice the faith. Here are the most Catholic countries in Europe, by percentage:
San Marino is a small country located in southern Europe with a population of just over 30,000 people. The majority of citizens are Roman Catholic and the religion plays an important role in society and politics. Catholicism is taught in schools and most public buildings have Catholic symbols such as crosses or statues of Mary. The government even provides financial support to the Church and allows religious groups to operate freely without interference from the state.
Liechtenstein
Though it is one of the smallest countries in Europe, Liechtenstein is also one of the most Catholic. Over three-quarters of the population identifies as Catholic, and the country has been strongly associated with the faith since its founding in the 12th century.
Today, Catholics in Liechtenstein enjoy a high degree of religious freedom and tolerance. The government even provides financial support to the Catholic Church, which helps maintain a strong presence throughout the country. Catholicism plays an important role in Liechtenstein’s culture and traditions, and its influences can be seen in everything from architecture to art.
Andorra
Andorra, a small country in southwestern Europe, is the world’s only co-principality. Andorra is a co-principality governed by two princes: the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell (in Spain). The Bishop of Urgell has historically been responsible for Andorran foreign affairs while the President of France has had veto power over all legislation.
Although not a member of the European Union, Andorra uses the Euro as its official currency and is subject to EU trade agreements. With an area of just 468 square kilometers (181 square miles), Andorra is one of the smallest countries in Europe. It is also one of the most mountainous, with more than half of its territory above 1,500 meters (4,920 feet).
Andorra’s population is estimated at 77,000, making it one of the least populous countries in Europe. However, this figure does not include the many tourists who visit Andorra each year. In 2016, more than 10 million people visited Andorra, attracted by its skiing resorts and duty-free status.
Andorra is a predominantly Catholic country; estimates suggest that around three-quarters of the population are Catholic. Catholicism arrived in Andorra in the 12th century, brought by pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Portugal
Portugal is a largely Catholic country, with 73.8% of the population identifying as such. Catholicism has been the dominant religion in Portugal for centuries, and it remains an important part of Portuguese culture and identity. Portugal is home to many beautiful Catholic churches and cathedrals, and religious festivals are still widely celebrated. Although the number of Catholics in Portugal has been declining in recent years, it remains one of the most Catholic countries in Europe.
Italy
Italy is one of the most Catholic countries in Europe, with over 60% of the population identifying as Catholic. The Roman Catholic Church has played a significant role in Italian culture and society for centuries, and it remains an important institution today. Many Italians continue to practice their faith and participate in Church activities, even as the country becomes increasingly secular.
The Roman Catholic Church has a long history in Italy, dating back to the early days of Christianity. For centuries, the Church was a powerful force in Italian society, exerting influence over politics, art, and everyday life. Today, the Church is still an important part of Italian culture, even though Catholicism is no longer the dominant religion.
Despite its declining popularity, Catholicism remains an important part of many Italians’ lives. Many people continue to practice their faith and participate in Church activities. The Church also still plays a significant role in public life, especially when it comes to issues like abortion and same-sex marriage.
Spain
Spain, the second largest country in Europe, is over 80% Catholic. Though the Spanish Inquisition ended centuries ago, the country’s Catholic roots run deep. Catholicism was introduced to the Iberian Peninsula by the Romans and took hold after the Visigoths conquered Spain in the 5th century. Over the centuries, Spain has been a staunchly Catholic country, with Catholicism playing a significant role in its culture and politics.
Today, Spain is one of the most Catholic countries in Europe, with over 80% of Spaniards professing to be Catholic. Catholicism is still a significant force in Spanish society, though the country is increasingly secularized.
Poland
As of 2010, Poland has the fifth largest Catholic population in Europe, at 87%. The country’s Catholicism dates back to the Middle Ages, when the Polish state was first established. Catholicism has since been a significant part of Polish culture and society. In recent years, however, the Catholic Church in Poland has faced various challenges, such as declining attendance and increased skepticism from the public.
Why Europe is More Catholic Than Other Continents
Europe is more Catholic than other continents because it has a longer history of Catholicism and because the Catholic Church has been more deeply enmeshed in European culture. The first missionaries to bring Christianity to Europe were sent by the Pope in the early Middle Ages, and since then the Church has played a significant role in shaping European civilization. In countries like Italy and Spain, where the Church has been particularly influential, Catholics make up a large majority of the population. Even in Protestant countries like England and Germany, there are significant Catholic minorities.
The reasons for Europe’s continued attachment to Catholicism are complex. In some cases, it is simply a matter of habit or tradition. For many people, being Catholic is simply part of their cultural identity. In other cases, people may remain attached to the Church out of a sense of loyalty or obligation to family members who are still practicing Catholics.
There are also theological reasons why Europe remains more Catholic than other continents. Some Europeans find that Catholicism offers a more satisfying or complete expression of Christian faith than do the Protestant denominations that dominate most of North America and parts of Asia and Africa. Others appreciate the Church’s emphasis on social justice and its efforts to address poverty and inequality both within Europe and around the world.
In conclusion, Europe is a continent with a rich Catholic heritage. In fact, many of the countries on this list are some of the oldest Catholic countries in the world. While the percentage of Catholics in Europe has declined in recent years, there are still many countries where Catholicism is the dominant religion. If you’re interested in exploring Europe’s Catholic heritage, these are some of the best places to start.