Adult Baptisms ‘Boom’ in France and Belgium

The number of adults seeking baptism in the Catholic Church in France and Belgium continues to rise rapidly, according to new figures released in Holy Week, making for a surprise bit of Easter good news.

The number of adult baptisms in France has increased by 30%, from 5,463 in 2023 to 7,135 in 2024, the French bishops’ conference reported March 27. ...

The number of adult baptisms has also continued to rise over the border in Belgium, almost doubling in a decade, from 186 in 2014 to 362 in 2024, the Belgian bishops’ conference announced March 26.