Survey reveals sharp generational divide among American priests

A major new study of over 1,000 U.S. priests shows a strong generational divide on synodality and tradition.

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A sweeping new survey of more than 1,000 American Catholic priests has revealed generational divides, robust trust in Pope Leo, and weakening confidence in the U.S. episcopate.

The National Study of Catholic Priests, released on 14 October and commissioned by Catholic University and Gallup, paints a picture of a clergy at a crossroads.

The updated report builds on earlier research conducted by The Catholic Project at the Catholic University of America, which in 2022 carried out the most comprehensive study of U.S. priests in more than half a century.

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