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Younger US Clergy Wants Latin Mass and Is Theologically Conservative But Overworked

Conducted from 12 May to 30 June, the 2025 National Study of Catholic Priests by The Catholic University of America offers the most comprehensive snapshot in half a century of the beliefs of American clergy. The study surveyed 1,164 priests, achieving a 38% response rate.

Overall, the youngest priests (ordained after 2000) are the most theologically orthodox (approximately 70% conservative), the most lonely (approximately 45%), the most overworked (45%), the most supportive of the Traditional Latin Mass (39%) and Eucharistic devotion. They are the least enthusiastic about synodality and gender issues.

Priorities and the Mass in the Roman rite

There is a consensus among clergy on pastoral priorities (94%), such as youth and young adult ministry, family formation, marriage preparation and evangelisation. When asked about Eucharistic devotion, 87% of priests said it should be a priority.

The Synod on Synodality was viewed sceptically: 37% called it 'a waste of time'. Only 25% found it helpful for ministry.

A majority of priests (59%) said that the Mass in the Roman rite should not be prioritised, with only 26% calling it a priority and 16% being unsure.

All other topics had a higher approval rate than the traditional Mass, including those concerning homosexuals, synodality and immigration.

The figures are different for younger priests. 39% of priests in the United States ordained after the year 2000 consider access to the Traditional Latin Mass a priority, compared to just 11% of priests ordained before 1980.

Burnout, workload and loneliness

45% of priests ordained in or after 2000 agreed with the statement, 'I am expected to do too many things that go beyond my calling as a priest.' (13% pre-1980, 38% 1980–99).

7% of diocesan priests versus 2% of religious priests showed high levels of burnout.

Priests ordained after 2000 reported the highest levels of burnout and loneliness. Many serve multiple parishes and undertake excessive administrative work. Nevertheless, 81% of all priests agreed that their morale was good.

Only 3% are considering leaving the priesthood.

There has been a generational increase in loneliness. Among priests ordained before 1980, 27% were classified as lonely, compared to 34% of those ordained between 1980 and 1999 and 45% of those ordained after 2000.

Confidence in bishops

Confidence in bishops remains relatively low. Between 2022 and 2025, confidence in one's own bishop increased from 49% to 52%.

Trust in U.S. bishops as a collective body increased from 22% to 27%.

In the data collected in May and June, a striking 86% of priests expressed “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in Pope Leo XIV. Additionally, 80% of priests said they expect relations between the Vatican and the Church in the United States to improve 'somewhat' or 'significantly' under his pontificate.

Theological and political orientation

Priests overwhelmingly desire spiritual formation (61%) and fraternal retreats (55%), rather than management or psychological training.

The study revealed a striking generational shift in theological orientation among U.S. priests.

Among those ordained before 1975, over 70% identified as theologically progressive, whereas fewer than 20% identified as conservative.

By contrast, only 8% of priests ordained after 2000 considered themselves progressive, whereas over 70% identified as conservative or orthodox.

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amni_jane

interesting, there is no mention of prayer, contemplation, or spiritual development

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Wilma Lopez shares this

Younger clergy were more likely to see themselves as theologically orthodox and politically moderate, to prioritize access to the Traditional Latin Mass, to feel lonely, and to believe they are burdened with duties beyond their priestly calling. They were also less likely to favor prioritizing synodality or to worry about women’s influence in the Church, the study found.

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Victor t J.

They can use a little "overwork".
Keeps them out of mischief.

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Orthocat

Generally I'd agree, but I personally know solid younger priests who have FIVE or more parishes 😲 to minister to. Those Catholics in those dioceses should be thankful because in many places (and I know from experience) bishops, to "solve" the priest shortage, either resort to foreign priests [mixed blessing - some are good, others scammers - most difficult to understand] or lay "pastoral administrators" who are almost always WOMEN, or religious sisters {if they can find one who's liberal & not too elderly}. So overwork is not merely "Gen Z" whining!

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Lionel Leslie Andrades

Among those ordained before 1975, over 70% identified as theologically progressive, whereas fewer than 20% identified as conservative.
By contrast, only 8% of priests ordained after 2000 considered themselves progressive, whereas over 70% identified as conservative or orthodox. (LIONEL: It has been discovered that when Vatican Council II is interpreted rationally the conclusion is traditional and not liberal. This has not been mentioned by the survey. So the future of the Church is with the conservatives. Liberalism is schism. It no more has any support in Vatican Council II. We can now interpret the Catechism of the Catholic Church in harmony with all the old catechisms which have said outside the Catholic Church there is no salvation.) 😊 😊

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V.R.S.

"approximately 70% conservative..."
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I wonder what they want to conserve: the earlier stage of the revolution?

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