Summary
In Belgium, there were 689 adult baptisms in 2025, marking a threefold increase from 534 in 2015. This trend is also observed in other European countries with significant Catholic populations. For instance, France saw an increase in the number of adults and adolescents baptized during Easter ceremonies, with 10,000 adult baptisms and 7,400 child baptisms recorded in 2025. The German Catholic Church reported a small positive trend in the total number of baptisms from 2023 to 2024, with 1,803 adults registering as candidates for baptism in 2023 and 1,648 in 2022. Belgium’s Catholic Church celebrates Easter by granting adult and child sacraments. With approximately 45% of Belgium’s population being Catholic, the number of baptisms has risen significantly over recent years. The Berlin and Cologne archdioceses are among those experiencing growth; the Berlin archdiocese saw a surge in adults seeking baptism from 170 in 2025 to 60 for Easter ceremonies in 2026. The Münster archdiocese reported baptisms throughout 2025, with 14 new candidates for baptism in March. The Aschermittwochs Mass attendance has also increased across some regions due to the importance of participating in the Ash Wednesday ritual.
Key Topics
Taufe boom, Erzbistum Berlin, Passau bishopery
