A comprehensive new study of U.S. priests, conducted by the Catholic Project at The Catholic University of America, has revealed sharp differences in perspectives and experiences between older and younger clergy.
According to the 2025 National Study of Catholic Priests, whose results were released on October 14, younger priests were more likely to describe themselves as theologically orthodox and politically moderate, more inclined to view access to the Traditional Latin Mass as a priority, to experience loneliness, and to feel that they are expected to perform many tasks beyond their priestly vocation.
The study also found that younger priests were less likely to consider synodality a priority and less concerned about the role of women in the Church compared to their older counterparts.
This 2025 study follows the groundbreaking 2022 National Study of Catholic Priests, the largest in more than 50 years, which concluded that priests were largely flourishing personally despite deep mistrust of bishops and fears of false accusations of abuse.
Further analysis in 2023 found a sharp decline in the proportion of new priests identifying as theologically “progressive” compared to previous generations.
Theological Gap Between Generations
The 2025 report highlighted a clear theological divide between older and younger priests. While over 70% of priests ordained before 1975 described themselves as theologically progressive, only 8% of those ordained after 2010 did so.
The Gallup survey, conducted in May and June 2025 and completed by 1,164 priests, found that more than 70% of the youngest priests described themselves as “conservative/orthodox” or “very conservative/very orthodox.”
The report also noted a generational shift in political outlooks, with moderates now making up a large share of the most recent cohorts. Only 25% of priests ordained before 1975 identified as politically moderate, compared to 37% of those ordained after 2010.
Over 61% of the pre-1975 cohort described themselves as somewhat or very politically liberal, and fewer than 15% as conservative. By contrast, only around 10% of the post-2010 cohort identified as liberal, while 51% identified as somewhat or very conservative.
Nevertheless, the study highlighted concerns across the political spectrum about Trump administration policies: two-thirds of priests identifying as “very conservative” reported at least some concern, while 83% of “conservative” priests expressed similar concern.
Generational Gap in Priorities
Clear generational differences were evident in priests’ priorities. Only 11% of priests ordained before 1980 viewed access to the Traditional Latin Mass as a priority, compared with 20% of those ordained between 1980 and 1999, and 39% of those ordained in the 21st century.
Many U.S. diocesan bishops curtailed celebrations of the Mass according to the 1962 Tridentine Missal following Pope Francis’ 2021 document Traditionis custodes, which effectively reversed the more liberal policies of Pope Benedict XVI regarding the older form of the Mass.
Younger priests were also more likely to prioritize Eucharistic devotion and less likely than older priests to focus on climate change, immigration, the LGBT community, poverty, racism, and social justice.
The study revealed significant generational differences regarding synodality, a term coined by Pope Francis to describe a path of spiritual renewal and structural reform that enables a more participatory and mission-oriented Church. Only 29% of priests ordained after 2000 considered synodality a priority, compared with 57% of those ordained between 1980–1999 and 77% of those ordained before 1980.
Levels of concern about the influence of women in the Church—one of the central themes of the 2021–2024 global synodal process overseen by Pope Francis—also varied. Over two-thirds of priests ordained before 1980 expressed extreme concern, compared with about half of the 1980–1999 cohort and only 20% of those ordained after 2000.
Feelings of Disconnection and Loneliness
The study showed that priests generally felt disconnected from the synodal process. When asked whether the synod on synodality was a waste of time, 37% agreed, while 39% disagreed. Only 28% said they felt fully included, while 36% did not, and only 25% reported that the process was helpful for their ministry, compared with 42% who said it was not.
Although priests continued to report high levels of personal flourishing three years after the initial report, loneliness was more pronounced among the younger generation. Only 27% of priests ordained before 1975 described themselves as lonely, compared with 34% of the 1980–1999 cohort and 40% of those ordained after 2000. The authors concluded that longer-serving priests are much less likely to feel lonely.
A clear divide also emerged when priests were asked whether they were expected to perform many tasks beyond their priestly calling. Only 13% of those ordained before 1980 agreed, compared with 38% of those ordained 1980–1999 and 45% of those ordained after 2000.
The report noted that these generational differences reflect growing concerns about sustainability in ministry, especially as parish demands increase, and may also indicate differing interpretations of what priestly vocation entails.
Since 2000, many U.S. dioceses have closed or merged parishes due to demographic changes. While most priests are responsible for one parish, 23% oversee two, and 17% oversee three or more.
The report concluded that younger priests reported higher levels of burnout and loneliness and were more likely to feel overburdened with responsibilities. As the older generation retires, it is expected that these younger priests will assume even greater responsibilities, potentially increasing the risk of continued burnout.
Mental Health and Trust in Bishops
The study suggested that U.S. priests’ overall mental health is generally good, although 11% reported receiving treatment or therapy for a mental health condition.
The report also noted potential significant variation across dioceses regarding stressors, including restructuring, bankruptcy, or similar situations.
Despite ongoing uncertainties, trust in bishops has increased slightly, from 22% in 2022 to 27% in 2025.
Researchers also assessed priests’ views of Pope Leo XIV, elected on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. Eighty-six percent of priests expressed a great deal or quite a lot of confidence in the first U.S.-born pope, while 80% expected improved relations between the Vatican and the U.S. Church to some or a significant degree.