The Irish Store Survey: Pope Francis Brings New Hope According to Irish American Catholics

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“Our sales of rosary beads and other religious jewelry have been through the roof this Easter, it seems that after a few bumpy years, Pope Francis is attracting lots of people back to Catholicism." - Lulu O'Sullivan, Founder of The Irish Store

Dublin, Ireland (PRWEB) April 14, 2014

62.2% of Irish American Catholics answered “yes” when asked if they thought Catholicism was on the decline.

Although respondents believe Catholicism might be waning there was a very positive response from the majority of respondents towards Pope Francis. Respondents commented:

“For a very long time I hesitated to say I was Catholic. However, I am a proud Catholic now that Pope Francis is in place and is reaching out to the ordinary people”.

“So many hot-button issues, especially pertaining to women, have alienated many. With the new Pope and his inclusive attitude, I think interest in Catholicism will increase."

The Catholic Church may have been shrouded in negativity in recent years but it seems Pope Francis carries the beacon of hope for Irish American Catholics.

“Since Pope Francis I've notice an increase in Holy Hour Adoration, Benediction, and Novenas”

Pope Francis is about to change the current attitude of a declining religion.

“The church is badly in need of change and I think we FINALLY have a Pope that recognizes the abuse, corruption and discrimination that has been in Catholicism in past years.”

What is also encouraging is how actively involved Irish American Catholics are with their faith. From our survey it has been revealed that 62% of Irish American Catholics pray every day, 93% of respondents own Rosary beads and 87% keep a Bible.

Easter was voted the most important mass ceremony by our survey participants, followed by Christmas and Good Friday.

Of the 70% of participants who have children only 46% make their children attend mass.

Irish American Catholic’s are largely educated in Catholic schools according to two thirds of our respondents.

While 98% of our respondents were baptized, 7% of our respondent’s parents weren’t Catholic which would suggest that they chose their current religion later in life.

47% of survey participants believe religion to be ‘Extremely Constructive’ to our society.

The survey was conducted from March 28th to April 10th on the Irish Store’s website and social media profiles. Of the 503 respondents, 70% were female.

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