Paris most religious city in unbelieving France
The bishop of Lyon in an empty church. Photo AFP, Jeff Pachoud
Western Europe
A new survey shows that less than half of the French believe God exists. But the capital Paris seems to the most religious.
The research was carried out by the polling company Ifop-Fiducial which questioned 1,006 people about their personal belief in God. About 56 per cent of the respondents answered negatively, and 44 per cent confirmative, Evangelical Focus reports.
According to La Croix, the number of believers has declined compared to the previous survey from 2021. In 2021, the share of believers made up 49 per cent of the total body of respondents.
Age group
The survey also showed that older people are more likely to believe in God than younger respondents. The share of believers is lowest in the age group of 18-24 (36 per cent). In comparison, 46 per cent of 50- to 64-year-olds say to believe in God. Of people older than 65, 50 per cent still believe God exists.
According to La Croix, the survey shows no difference between the religiousness of men and women. Wealth seems to play a bigger role, the newspaper writes. Both the richest and the poorest classes have the fewest believers, 40 and 39 per cent, respectively. The French middle class seems to be the most religious, with the share of believers amounting to 48 per cent.
Rural
Remarkable is the fact that Paris seems to be the most religious area in France. Of the respondents from the city, 59 per cent said to believe in God. In rural municipalities, the share of believers is 37 per cent and in other urban areas, 43 per cent.
The survey did not distinguish between Christians and members of other religions. It also did not question respondents on their church attendance or other faith expressions.
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