Converts to Catholicism are more likely than lifelong Catholics to be White, born in the U.S.
Based on U.S. Catholics
* Estimates for Asian adults are representative of English speakers only.
Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding. “Catholic converts” are people who say they are Catholic when asked about their present religion, but who say they were not raised Catholic. “Cradle Catholics” are people who were raised Catholic and currently identify as Catholic. White, Black and Asian Americans include those who report being only one race and are not Hispanic. Hispanics are of any race. For the purposes of this analysis, the “Born outside the U.S.” category includes those born in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. Although individuals from Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens by birth, they are included with the “Born outside the U.S.” category because they are born into a Spanish-dominant culture and because, on many points, their attitudes, views and beliefs are much closer to those of Hispanics born outside the U.S. than to Hispanics born in the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia, even those who identify themselves as being of Puerto Rican origin.
Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding. “Catholic converts” are people who say they are Catholic when asked about their present religion, but who say they were not raised Catholic. “Cradle Catholics” are people who were raised Catholic and currently identify as Catholic. White, Black and Asian Americans include those who report being only one race and are not Hispanic. Hispanics are of any race. For the purposes of this analysis, the “Born outside the U.S.” category includes those born in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. Although individuals from Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens by birth, they are included with the “Born outside the U.S.” category because they are born into a Spanish-dominant culture and because, on many points, their attitudes, views and beliefs are much closer to those of Hispanics born outside the U.S. than to Hispanics born in the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia, even those who identify themselves as being of Puerto Rican origin.
Source: Religious Landscape Study of U.S. adults conducted July 17, 2023-March 4, 2024.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Converts to Catholicism are more likely than lifelong Catholics to be White, born in the U.S.
Based on U.S. Catholics
| Group | All Catholics | Catholic Converts | Cradle Catholics |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 54 | 67 | 53 |
| Hispanic | 36 | 20 | 37 |
| Black | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| Asian | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Other/Multiracial | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| No answer | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Born in the U.S. | 29 | 18 | 30 |
| Born outside the U.S. | 68 | 79 | 67 |
| No answer/Unclear | 3 | 4 | 3 |
* Estimates for Asian adults are representative of English speakers only.
Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding. “Catholic converts” are people who say they are Catholic when asked about their present religion, but who say they were not raised Catholic. “Cradle Catholics” are people who were raised Catholic and currently identify as Catholic. White, Black and Asian Americans include those who report being only one race and are not Hispanic. Hispanics are of any race. For the purposes of this analysis, the “Born outside the U.S.” category includes those born in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. Although individuals from Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens by birth, they are included with the “Born outside the U.S.” category because they are born into a Spanish-dominant culture and because, on many points, their attitudes, views and beliefs are much closer to those of Hispanics born outside the U.S. than to Hispanics born in the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia, even those who identify themselves as being of Puerto Rican origin.
Note: Figures may not add to 100% due to rounding. “Catholic converts” are people who say they are Catholic when asked about their present religion, but who say they were not raised Catholic. “Cradle Catholics” are people who were raised Catholic and currently identify as Catholic. White, Black and Asian Americans include those who report being only one race and are not Hispanic. Hispanics are of any race. For the purposes of this analysis, the “Born outside the U.S.” category includes those born in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories. Although individuals from Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens by birth, they are included with the “Born outside the U.S.” category because they are born into a Spanish-dominant culture and because, on many points, their attitudes, views and beliefs are much closer to those of Hispanics born outside the U.S. than to Hispanics born in the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia, even those who identify themselves as being of Puerto Rican origin.
Source: Religious Landscape Study of U.S. adults conducted July 17, 2023-March 4, 2024.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
