Top 10 countries with the most Catholics population

Brazil remains the country with the largest Catholic population in the world in 2026, followed by Mexico and the Philippines, according to estimates published by Statista.

The latest figures show that Catholicism continues to have a significant presence across Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia, with millions of followers spread across countries on every continent.

According to Statista's 2026 estimates, Brazil has approximately 115 million Catholics, making it the world's largest Catholic country. Mexico ranks second with an estimated 101 million, while the Philippines occupies third place with approximately 89 million Catholics.

The rankings highlight the continued importance of Latin America and Asia to the global Catholic community, while countries in Africa and Europe also account for substantial Catholic populations.

Also readTop 10 best universities in Africa, according to latest ranking (2027)

Top 10 countries with the most Catholics in 2026

The following countries have some of the largest Catholic populations worldwide, based on Statista's 2026 estimates and published country-level Catholic population rankings.

Source: Statista's 2026 estimates and World Population Review's country rankings.

Brazil has the world's largest Catholic population

Brazil leads the global ranking, with an estimated 115 million Catholics in 2026, according to Statista. The country has a long history of Catholic influence, reflected in its religious traditions, cultural celebrations and church institutions.

However, Catholic identification in Brazil has been declining as other Christian denominations, particularly Protestant and evangelical groups, have expanded.

Mexico ranks second

Mexico has the world's second-largest Catholic population, with approximately 101 million adherents in 2026, according to Statista.

Also read5 everyday habits that can damage your kidneys

Catholicism has played a major role in the country's history and cultural identity. Religious celebrations, including those associated with Our Lady of Guadalupe, remain important to millions of Mexicans.

The Philippines leads Catholicism in Asia

The Philippines ranks third worldwide, with an estimated 89 million Catholics in 2026.

It is one of the most prominent Catholic-majority countries in Asia. Catholic traditions influence many aspects of Filipino public life, including religious festivals, community activities and major annual celebrations.

Africa's growing Catholic population

Africa is an increasingly important centre of Catholicism. Vatican Church statistics published in 2025, based on data for 2023, recorded approximately 281 million Catholics across the continent.

Also readTop 10 Richest Kings in the World in 2026 – Full Ranking

The Democratic Republic of the Congo had nearly 55 million Catholics, followed by Nigeria with approximately 35 million, making them the two African countries with the largest Catholic populations in those statistics.

The Vatican also reported that Africa recorded the fastest proportional growth in Catholic numbers among the world's continents between 2022 and 2023.

How many Catholics are there worldwide?

The Vatican reported approximately 1.406 billion baptised Catholics worldwide as of June 2023, according to statistics published in 2025.

The figures demonstrate the Catholic Church's extensive global presence, although estimates of Catholic populations vary according to whether they count baptised members, people who identify as Catholic or other measures of religious affiliation.

For that reason, the 2026 country rankings should be understood as estimates rather than a single universally agreed census of Catholic believers.