'Happy as a priest in France': Survey shows increased satisfaction, fulfillment among clergy

PARIS (OSV News) -- A new nationwide survey finds most Catholic priests in France are strikingly upbeat about their ministry. A large majority of priests in France say they are "happy," according to a broad new survey by the "Observatory of Catholicism," conducted with the French Institute of Public Opinion, or IFOP.

The study, "The Priesthood Today," conducted from Oct. 16-30 and was shared through Famille Chrétienne and RCF-Radio Notre Dame. Paraphrasing an old German proverb, "Happy as God in France," Famille Chrétienne commented on the survey saying: "Happy as a priest in France."

Founded in June, the observatory aims to produce regular scientific studies on French Catholic life. The recent survey included about 40 questions on priests' expectations, daily conditions and commitments -- to "understand the reality of the priesthood as it is experienced today in the current context of the Church in France."

Of roughly 12,000 priests in France, 5,000 were contacted and 766 responded. IFOP's Jérôme Fourquet told Famille Chrétienne the survey has unusual "scope and accuracy," noting the last comparable IFOP study dates to 1972 with a far smaller sample.

"At the time, it was based on a small sample of about 200 priests, with a more limited number of questions."

Observatory director Aurélie Pirillo called the results "positive," saying 80% of priests "are happy in their mission." She said priests feel "faithful to their calling," useful, "in their place," and generally "at peace," if less idealistic than when they began.

Famille Chrétienne wrote that after years of scandals, suspicions of clericalism and calls for reform, one might expect "priests would be stunned, dejected, and totally demoralized," but "this is not the case." It's quite the opposite: "They have never been so enthusiastic and determined to live and fully exercise their vocation."

Fourquet said priests draw their joy "from the faith that dwells within them." On Nov. 6 he noted on RCF radio that "53% of priests wrote that what makes them happiest is 'seeing the wonders that God works in people's hearts.'"

The 20% who report difficulty mainly struggle with loneliness, Pirillo said. She noted that many turn first to family -- 62% say it is their primary support -- while others without close relatives can feel isolated without strong friendships.

"Many have a close-knit family that supports them and from whom they find help and a chance to recharge," Pirillo told OSV News. "But it is very hard for those who do not. If they do not make an effort to have friends, they can be very lonely."

Many priests also want community life. Forty-one percent said they would like assignments allowing them to live with other priests, a figure jumping to 69% among those age 25–34. Pirillo said this reflects a divide between the "World Youth Day generation" and the older "Vatican II generation." Younger priests also place more weight on what they called "liturgical peace" as a church priority.

She added that young priests "believe they have an important role to play in Catholic schools, while older priests felt that this was not their place."

The relationship with bishops emerged as a key stress point. Fifty-nine percent said it is central to their ministry, yet "17% of priests explicitly said they feel a lack of concrete and direct support," Pirillo said. "Many others indicated that they do not always feel very supported, helped, and listened to by their bishop," she added.

"It is not a problem for them to live in very modest, very simple conditions, but they would like to be able to discuss the future of their mission more with their bishop. In practical terms, young priests would like to have their bishop's cellphone number."

Across generations, priests emphasized the need for strong lay involvement. Pirillo said all want closer ties with committed laypeople, who help shoulder administrative burdens.

Their deepest sorrow, Fourquet said, is witnessing the decline of Catholic practice. Baptism rates have dropped from about 80% in 1972 to roughly 30% today. Older priests feel the shift most acutely, he said, while younger priests minister in a church that sees itself as a minority -- one made up of believers who choose the faith "by affirmation and choice," not social conformity.