Vatican City, Feb 29, 2008 / 09:35 am
Today Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone presented the Holy Father with the 2008 edition of the “Annuario Pontificio”, better known as the pontifical yearbook. In addition, a communiqué was released highlighting the growth of the Church over the past few years.
In 2007, eight new episcopal sees (dioceses) were created, as well as one apostolic prefecture, two metropolitan sees and one apostolic vicariate. Last year 169 new bishops were also appointed.
Between 2005 and 2006, the number of Catholics in the world increased from 1.115 to 1.131 billion, a growth of 1.4 percent. Over the same period, the number of bishops grew from 4,841 to 4,898, an increase of 1.2 percent.
Around the world, the number of religious and diocesan priests rose from 406,411 in 2005 to 407,262 in 2006 (a growth of 0.21 percent). The number of priests has grown steadily from 2000 to 2006.