The Church has published statistics for 2010. There are some interesting findings.
There are now worldwide a total of 37,203 permanent deacons, of whom 24,030 are from the American continents, and 12,329 are in Europe. The Americas have gained 774 deacons this year in contrast to a gain of 659 priests. Worldwide, there was a gain of 1,261 permanent deacons and a gain of 1,142 priests. Permanent deacons increased in number on all continents except for Africa with a decline of 20. The numbers of new priests gained on all continents except for a sharp decline of 1,666 priests in Europe. There was a net gain of 1,576 diocesan priests and a loss of 434 religious priests worldwide.
The fewest number of permanent deacons (143) is in Asia, which interestingly had the highest number of new priests (1,120) of all continents.
Total number of priests in the world is 409,166 and the total number of religious sisters is 739,068, although sisters experienced a net loss of 7,746. Sisters experienced losses on all continents except in Asia (gain of 2,170) and Africa (gain of 1,845).
America has 278 fewer seminarians this year compared to last.
For the complete report, log on to: Fides.
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