Study • Inform • Understand
The Observatory of French Catholicism
The Observatory of French Catholicism's mission is to produce reliable, regular and accessible data on Catholicism in France, intended for the general public as well as religious and civil leaders.
Origin
What is the origin of the project ?
The Catholic Church in France is currently experiencing a period of significant transformation. It has been observed by various actors, including those within the Church (priests, bishops, leaders) and from civil society, that there is a paucity of structured and up-to-date data which would facilitate a relevant interpretation of these developments.
In response to this need, practising Catholics in the field decided to combine their talents and insights to establish this Observatory, guided by the call to lay people issued by the Second Vatican Council and strongly reiterated by Pope Leo XIV.
Reason for being
The rationale behind the establishment of an observatory of French Catholicism ?
The Observatory of French Catholicism (OFC) aims to produce reliable, regular and accessible data on Catholicism in France, intended for the general public as well as religious and civil leaders. Its approach adopted combines proximity to the field (through collaborations with movements and associations), national scope (surveys of the general population) and scientific rigour (a scientific committee is currently being set up).
In order to serve, it is first necessary to know and understand. The OFC's objective is to illuminate specific realities and underlying trends impacting the Catholic Church in France and French society, in addition to the points of interaction between these entities. By highlighting these phenomena in an analytical and forward-looking manner, taking into account the diversity of their causes and manifestations, avenues for reflection and action are opened up.
Actors
Who are the people and institutions involved ?
The OFC is chaired by Ghislain Lafont, former Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Bayard Group, and directed by Aurelie Pirillo, who manages the work of the Study Group on Christians in the Middle-East at the French Parliament. The OFC is supported by committed lay people, such as:
- Samuel Pruvot, a senior Reporter at Famille Chrétienne, is a recognized figure in the Christian journalism.
- Elisabeth Geffroy, who is an editor-in-chief of La Nef magazine, a reputable Catholic publication and she is the co-founder of Café Dorothy, an Christian community for social connection.
- Damien Thomas, is the Director of the Human and Spiritual Growth Division of the Common Good Fund.
- Arnaud Bouthéon, who is co-founder of the Mission Congress, HolyGames and is also involved with the Knights of Columbus.
The OFC will regularly invite experts - academics, researchers, lay sociologists and religious figures - to contribute to its discussions and work. It will collaborate on an ad hoc basis, depending on the needs of the studies conducted, with dioceses, Catholic movements and associations, as well as with public and private institutions.
The OFC is an independent organization that collaborates with the Conference of Bishops of France, represented by Monsignor Bruno Valentin, President of its Council for Communication.
Studies
What will the Observatory achieve ?
The OFC produces quantitative and qualitative studies, which are conducted in collaboration with leading research institutes. The studies are uncomplicated and easily accessible, and focus on recurring themes, the French people's relationship with Catholicism, the typology of practising Catholics, factors influencing conversion, as well as fundamental issues and current events in the Church and society.
The findings of these studies are disseminated to researchers, decision-makers and relevant stakeholders in the field. In addition to reports and studies, the OFC may publish regular newsletters and analyses, and organise meetings and round tables with speakers from a variety of backgrounds.
Consult our first study
Our first study, entitled “Identity, Practices and Perceptions of Catholicism in France” offers a unique analysis of the evolution and dynamics of Catholicism in France.
Employing a rigorous methodology, it illuminates the beliefs, practices and aspirations of Catholics in contemporary society.