Statistically speaking: Vatican numbers hint at fading faith practice

Statistically speaking: Vatican numbers hint at fading faith practice 

NCR

By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY -- The percentage of Catholics practicing their faith is declining almost everywhere around the globe. Almost all bishops report it, but it's difficult to prove statistically. Each year, the Vatican's own statisticians compile mountains of data about the number of Catholics, baptisms, priests and religious, weddings and annulments in each diocese and country.