The shortage of priests around the world is nothing new: their numbers have been steadily declining since the end of World War II.
For example, between 1970 and 2024, there were about 25,000 fewer priestly vocations, a drop of 40%, according to Georgetown University.
And now we know the latest data from the Fides Agency. Although the number of Catholics has increased across all five continents, including the secularized Europe, the number of priests, seminarians, and religious continues to decreased.
The result? More Catholics per priest: roughly 1 for every 3,500. Now the question is, why?
Jack Beers, executive director of the Integrated Life Foundation, weighed in on the situation.
JACK BEERS
Executive Director of Integrated Life Foundation
A survey came out from the Catholic University of America, and over 60% of priests under the age of 45 are suffering from burnout. 13% of priests within the first ten years of their priesthood, on average, leave the priesthood. In some diocese, its upwards of 50%. And it's like why?
Some possible reasons could be that many priests feel that they cannot talk about their problems out of fear of being labeled as “unfit” to serve.
JACK BEERS
Executive Director of Integrated Life Foundation
There's no “yellow light” for priests. There's a red light and a green light. There's “I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm fine.” and then a red light “I need to be removed” or “I need some form of sabbatical, extended sabbatical.” There's no yellow light because there's not really a source for these guys to raise their hand and say “I'm struggling.”
There is also the need to adapt to today’s society, which means priests require additional training beyond the basic formation they receive in the seminary.
JACK BEERS
Executive Director of Integrated Life FoundationWhen you were ordained, Donald Trump had never run for president, you know? When you were ordained suicide rates were 15% lower than they are now. When you were ordained we didn't have any of the conversation around gender.
So ongoing formation is really, really important.
It all starts with the simplest thing: if children don’t have the example of a good priest, or if young people don’t find good role models in their discernment, there’s a good chance, they'll give it up.
JACK BEERS
Executive Director of Integrated Life Foundation
Healthy priests will produce more priests. It's not just that we need to continue to pray for vocations, pray for good and healthy marriages, and we need to have the context of good and healthy marriages because that's where all priests come from. But we also need healthy priests to inspire other people to become priests. Because someone who is really attractive who is a priest, who is really healthy and effective and impactful - that's one of the most, if not the most, powerful force in inspiring vocations.
Jack Beers is not the only one emphasizing this. Pope Leo XIV has done so as well, back in August, during his audience with altar servers.
POPE LEO XIV
I am speaking to your consciences as enthusiastic and generous young people, and I am going to tell you something that you must listen to, even if it worries you a little: the shortage of priests in France is a great misfortune! A misfortune for the Church.
That’s why the Integrated Life Foundation provides psychological and fraternal support to priests, especially those who live in isolation.
JACK BEERS
Executive Director of Integrated Life Foundation
But he carries the weight and responsibility of the salvation of his people, and he really needs a system of support outside of those people in order to help him be at his best in his vocation. He needs fatherhood, friendship, and he needs continual accompaniment in his growth.
So, while the data might look worrying, it appears many of the flock are ready to support the shepherds in any way possibly.
