Ifop, for the Observatoire français du catholicisme, has carried out a study on the French clergy, and more specifically on priests, shedding new light on this category of the population.nnThe French clergy is characterized by a relatively high age: 36% of priests are aged between 50 and 64, and 31% between 35 and 49. A significant proportion have a university degree (40%). Most were ordained in the years 2000-2009 (25%) or 2010-2019 (24%). In terms of origins, priests from the African continent now represent a significant proportion of the clergy (44%), ahead of those of European origin (26%).nnThe majority of priests grew up in practising Catholic families committed to the life of the Church (56%). For 83% of priests, Christian experiences during their youth were decisive: World Youth Days (36%), Scouts d’Europe (22%) and Scouts et Guides de France (16%) are among the key places of spiritual maturation.nnWhile the vast majority of priests declare themselves happy (95%), half of them admit to having become “less idealistic” when faced with the realities of their mission (35%), or to feeling “a little disillusioned and tired” (15%). The difficulties mentioned are manifold: a feeling of lack of support from the hierarchy (17%), a decline in faith among the faithful (16%), the weakening of the Catholic institution (16%), physical and mental fatigue (16%), logistical constraints (15%), the question of priestly celibacy (15%), tensions or lack of fraternity between priests (14%).nnTo exercise their ministry in better conditions, priests above all express the need to be surrounded by reliable and autonomous lay teams (77%), to be listened to more by the hierarchy (60%), to be able to rely on a lay person on a daily basis (42%) and to have a regular place to rest (40%).
The priesthood today – A survey of priests
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