Poland experiences rapid secularization and shift in political leanings

Poland is undergoing a significant social transformation characterized by a sharp decline in religious practice despite high levels of self-identified Catholicism. While 92% of adults identify as Catholic, the percentage of non-practicing individuals has doubled in less than a decade to 22%. Sunday mass attendance has dropped from 45% in 2005 to below 30%.

This secularization is most pronounced among younger generations. In the 1990s and 2010s, approximately 90% of high school students attended religious education, a figure that has fallen to roughly 35% today. Experts attribute this trend to economic growth, which has brought Poland's living standards closer to those of Spain, as well as various scandals and the Church's political ties.

Furthermore, strict abortion laws and scandals involving the clergy have contributed to the distancing of citizens from church dogma. Notably, this decline in religiosity has not led to a shift toward left-wing politics. Instead, younger generations are increasingly supporting right-wing movements, such as the Confederation (KWiN) party, which differs from the traditional Law and Justice (PiS) party.