Is France a Very Catholic Country?

Ah, France. The land of fine wine, delicious pastries, and, of course, history steeped in Catholicism. But is France still a very Catholic country? The short answer: It’s complicated. Let’s dive into this topic and explore why this question might not have as straightforward an answer as one might think.

A Catholic Legacy

First off, let’s acknowledge the historical weight Catholicism has carried in France. For centuries, the Catholic Church was the most influential institution in the country. From the grand cathedrals that dot the landscape, like the iconic Notre-Dame in Paris, to the strong influence of the clergy in shaping the nation’s laws and social norms, Catholicism has been deeply entwined with French identity.

In fact, during the reign of King Louis XIV, France was often referred to as the "eldest daughter of the Church" (la fille aînée de l'Église). This title was a point of pride, symbolizing France's strong ties to Catholicism. Catholicism shaped not just religious life but political life as well, influencing everything from royal authority to education.

A Shifting Relationship

But hold on. Fast-forward to today, and you’ll see a very different picture. Over the past century, especially after the French Revolution, which was very much a rejection of clerical power, France has undergone a significant shift away from religious influence. The French Revolution (1789) was a direct response to the power that the Church held over the monarchy and the government. It led to the secularization of the state, and since then, the idea of "laïcité" – or secularism – has been central to French identity.

Today, France is considered a secular republic. Laïcité is enshrined in the constitution, and it means that religion, including Catholicism, is kept separate from government affairs. You won’t find prayers in public schools, and churches no longer wield the kind of political power they once did. In fact, some would argue that France is one of the most secular countries in Europe.

The Decline of Catholicism

So, is France still Catholic? Well, statistically speaking, the numbers don’t exactly paint a picture of a devoutly Catholic nation. According to recent surveys, a majority of French people still identify as Catholic (around 50-60%), but many of them do not actively practice the religion. The number of people attending Mass regularly is on the decline – with less than 10% of the population going to church on a weekly basis. Many people view their Catholic identity as cultural rather than religious.

Take my own experience in Paris, for example. I’ve visited countless beautiful churches and cathedrals around the city, but the pews are often more filled with tourists than with locals. In fact, sometimes it feels like the churches have become more of a historical site than a place of active worship. Even during Christmas, when you’d expect the pews to be packed, there’s often a noticeable lack of attendees.

Generational Shifts

What’s particularly interesting is the generational divide. Older generations in France tend to maintain a stronger attachment to Catholicism, whether out of tradition or habit, but younger people? Not so much. A growing number of young French people identify as atheist, agnostic, or simply "not religious." In fact, secularism has become so ingrained in the French psyche that many young people actively reject religious labels altogether.

In Paris, for example, it’s common to find young people more engaged with art, culture, and philosophy than with religion. A lot of the youth culture focuses on enjoying life, pursuing personal freedom, and, let’s be honest, debating everything from politics to the latest Netflix series. Religion just doesn’t play a big part in those conversations.

The Catholic Influence – But In What Ways?

Now, this isn’t to say that Catholicism is entirely absent from French culture. The legacy of Catholicism is still evident in many aspects of French life, even if the active practice of religion is waning.

One of the clearest ways Catholicism continues to influence France is through its holidays and festivals. Christmas and Easter, for example, are still widely celebrated, even if the religious aspect is secondary for most people. The French also have a deep respect for the Church’s architectural and artistic contributions. Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur, and other historical churches are still iconic symbols of French culture.

The French also have an interesting relationship with Catholic symbols. For instance, many people still hang a cross or a religious image in their home, even if they don’t attend church. It’s a cultural artifact more than a religious one, often associated with tradition and family values.

A Country of Contradictions

So, is France a very Catholic country? It depends on how you define "Catholic." If you're talking about a country where the majority of people practice Catholicism and regularly attend Mass, then no, France isn’t very Catholic anymore. But if you're looking at a country where Catholicism has shaped the cultural, historical, and social fabric, then yes, France still carries that Catholic legacy.

And you know what? That’s kind of the beauty of it. France is a country full of contradictions – a place where secularism and Catholicism coexist in a complex, sometimes messy, but ultimately fascinating way. The cultural reverence for Catholicism is still there, but it’s now often more about identity and tradition than about active worship.

Final Thoughts

In the end, when you ask, "Is France a very Catholic country?" the answer really depends on what you're measuring. Is it a country where people actively practice the faith? Probably not. But is it a country where Catholicism's influence on culture, history, and identity still plays a role? Absolutely.

It’s funny though, because in a way, the idea of a "Catholic country" is changing. Around the world, the lines between secularism and religion are blurring, and every country seems to be navigating its own path. In France, it’s about finding that balance between honoring traditions and embracing modern secular values. And that, I think, is what makes France so uniquely fascinating.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.