Catholic Church in the U.S.

When Pope John Paul II visits the United States in October, he will find cause for both optimism and concern. The U.S. Catholic Church not only tends to the spiritual needs of nearly one-quarter of all Americans but also ranks as one of the largest providers of social services in the U.S. and plays a key role in national debates on moral issues such as abortion. Yet many American Catholics regard some church teachings as anachronistic and say that the institution must become more open and democratic if it is to address spiritual and social concerns meaningfully. At the same time, the church must confront other challenges, including a growing shortage of priests and nuns and a decline in the number of people who attend Mass.