Cheers for Catholics

Brendan Butler questions my figures on Catholic membership.

The figure of an increase of 15 million was contained in the reputable Annuario Pontificio. Some other stats, which may also be of interest to Mr Butler reveal in the US Catholics increased from 50 million in 1980 to 77.7 million today; worldwide, there were approx 64,000 seminarians in 1978 and presently there are approx 110,000. If these stats related to a business or other secular organisation, the bubbly would be flowing. Sláinte.

Eric Conway