Catalina Espinosa
Research expert covering society, economy, and politics for Europe and the EU
Religion in France - statistics & facts
In the last decades, the proportion of French people believing in God has decreased. Indeed, according to a survey conducted in 2023, more than half of the French considered themselves agnostic or non-believers.
Moreover, religious celebrations have become less popular. For instance, the number of baptisms is constantly decreasing, as well as Catholic religious marriages. This phenomenon may be explained by the progressive and constant loss of influence of the church since 1905, when the law separating Church and State was passed. It is considered the founding text of secularism, the principle that establishes the neutrality of the State in religious matters in France.
Decline in religious practices
Although atheism is gaining ground, France, a nation built around the principle of freedom of worship, is also a country with a historic predominantly Christian Catholic tradition, while being home to Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, and Hindu communities. With around six million believers, Islam is recognized as the second religion of France. But as is the case with Catholics, the practice of religious traditions is far from being assiduous among Muslims, and the same is true among Jews, too.Moreover, religious celebrations have become less popular. For instance, the number of baptisms is constantly decreasing, as well as Catholic religious marriages. This phenomenon may be explained by the progressive and constant loss of influence of the church since 1905, when the law separating Church and State was passed. It is considered the founding text of secularism, the principle that establishes the neutrality of the State in religious matters in France.
Secularism in France
However, the definition and meaning of secularism are frequently at the center of discussions and are interpreted in different ways by both French politicians, and public opinion. For instance, in March 2004, the French government passed a law prohibiting students from wearing conspicuous religious symbols at school, which the public opinion approved. However, in recent days, Gabriel Attal, ex-Prime Minister of Emmanuel Macron, has stated his intention to pass a law prohibiting Muslim girls under 15 years old from wearing the veil in public spaces. This measure was called out for its anti-secular nature by leftist political personalities. These debates illustrate how the principle of secularism, a fundamental constitutional value, continues to be a source of controversy in France.Tensions related to religion
In recent years, many tensions have developed around religion in French society, with Islamophobic and anti-Semitic acts on the rise, fueled by the current international context in the Middle East. This tense societal environment even reached extreme violence, as recently in April 2025, a young Muslim man was murdered in his mosque. The perpetrator recorded his crime on his phone, a shocking scene for the Muslim community and the rest of the country鈥檚 population.
