Number of Catholics in Poland
Currently most Poles, by far, adhere to the Christian faith, with approximately 88% belonging to the Roman Catholic Church and 58% practicing, according to survey by the Centre for Public Opinion Research. According to the Ministry of Foreigns Affairs of the Republic of Poland, 95% of Poles belong to the Roman Catholic Church; however, this is based on number of people baptized in their infancy, provided by the Church itself. CIA Factbook gives a number of 89.8% belonging to the Roman Catholic Church and about 75% as practicing Catholics. The rates of religious observance are steadily decreasing, although Poland still remains one of the most devoutly religious countries in Europe. Polish Catholics participate in the sacraments more frequently than their counterparts in most Western European and North American countries. For example, a 2009 study performed by the Church itself revealed that 80% of Poles go to confession at least once a year, with 60% doing so more often than once a year. By contrast, a 2005 study by Georgetown University's Center for Applied Research on the Apostolate revealed that only 14% of American Catholics take part in the sacrament of penance once a year, with a mere 2% doing so more frequently. Tarnów is the most religious city in Poland, and Łódź is the least. Generally, the southern and eastern parts of Poland are more religious than those of the West and North. Nonetheless, the overwhelming majority of Poles continue to declare themselves Roman Catholic. This is in stark contrast to the otherwise similar neighbouring Czech Republic, which is one of the least religious areas on Earth, with only 19% declaring "they believe there is a God" of any kind.
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