Catholic Church Shrinks as Non-Denominational Churches Grow

Declining attendance and church closures in Rust Belt cities contrast with rising popularity of non-denominational congregations.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Catholic Church in the U.S. is experiencing a decline, especially in Rust Belt cities, while non-denominational churches are growing. Factors contributing to the Catholic Church's shrinking numbers include a drop in the share of white Catholics, growth in Hispanic Catholics, and differing views on issues like abortion compared to the Church's official stance. Meanwhile, non-denominational churches are attracting more followers, leading to the closure of Catholic churches in some communities.

Why it matters

The shifting religious landscape in the U.S. has significant implications for communities, as the closure of Catholic churches can disrupt traditional neighborhood gatherings and community events. It also raises questions about the Catholic Church's ability to adapt to changing demographics and beliefs among its followers.

The details

Data shows the Catholic Church's share of the U.S. population has dropped to 20%, with the share of white Catholics declining by 10 percentage points since 2007 as the Hispanic Catholic population has grown. This demographic shift, along with differing views on issues like abortion, contribute to the Church's struggles. In the Pittsburgh region, the decline of the steel industry and resulting population loss have led to the closure of many Catholic churches and schools, leaving some neighborhoods without a local parish.

  • In 2021, the Vatican's Statistical Yearbook of the Church reported the Catholic Church remains one of the largest religious groups in America.
  • In 2025, Pew Research found 78% of Americans identify as Christians, with the number of Christians holding steady between 60-64% in the prior four years.
  • This week, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported the latest round of Catholic church closures and consolidations in the Pittsburgh diocese.

The players

Pew Research

A nonpartisan American think tank that provides information on social issues, public opinion, and demographic trends shaping the United States and the world.

Deneen Swartzwelder

The mayor of Swissvale, Pennsylvania, a former mill town where a Catholic church that Swartzwelder attended her whole life is now closing.

Eric Sammons

The editor-in-chief of Crisis Magazine, a Catholic online news publication.

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What they’re saying

“They're ripping apart our family. Sunday mornings will be a ghost town....Nobody's meeting for coffee afterwards, or going to a local restaurant for breakfast or brunch.”

— Deneen Swartzwelder, Mayor of Swissvale, Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

“that for every 100 new Catholics, more than 800 people leave the Church.”

— Eric Sammons, Editor-in-Chief, Crisis Magazine (Pew Research)

What’s next

The Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese has not indicated if or when it may halt the current round of church closures and consolidations.

The takeaway

The decline of the Catholic Church in Rust Belt cities like Pittsburgh highlights the broader challenges facing organized religion in America, as demographic shifts, changing beliefs, and the closure of community anchors like neighborhood churches reshape the religious landscape. The growth of non-denominational congregations suggests many Americans are seeking spiritual fulfillment outside of traditional Catholic and Protestant denominations.