Pew study: Catholic participation declining
The pope will arrive in New York this week as the archdiocese is in a period of change. According to a poll by the Pew Research Center, for every one new Catholic joining the church, six depart.
News 12 Staff
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Sep 23, 2015, 12:31 AM
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Updated 3,147 days ago
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The pope will arrive in New York this week as the archdiocese is in a period of change.
According to a poll by the Pew Research Center, for every one new Catholic joining the church, six depart.
Catholic parishes have merged throughout the city as churches have closed their doors due to a decline in attendance.
But some New Yorkers say that they have faith the pontiff's message of acceptance can reverse the tide.
Pope Francis has called for changes in the church, like being more open to gay and divorced Catholics and asking for greater womens' involvement.
Some Catholics who don't regularly attend Mass say that the church's message has become more tangible under Francis.
So while numbers continue to decline, devoted Catholics say they are hopeful the current pope can turn hearts.
