Number of Catholics declines in Spain

Madrid - The number of people describing themselves as Roman Catholics is declining in Spain, traditionally regarded as one of the most staunchly Catholic countries in the world.

A poll showed Wednesday that 75 per cent of Spaniards regard themselves as Catholics, down from nearly 85 per cent in 2000.

About 13.5 per cent of the 2,500 people interviewed for the poll, which was conducted by the Center of Sociological Investigations (CIS), defined themselves as non-believers. Nearly 8 per cent said they were atheists.

About 1.5 per cent followed a religion other than Roman Catholicism. The arrival of immigrants has increased the number of Muslims and Protestants in Spain in recent years.

Only about 15 per cent of those interviewed said they regularly attended mass or another religious service.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/316620,number-of-catholics-declines-in-spain.html.