Clergy 'Driven to Breaking Point' Over Decline in Number of Priests
More and more priests are being driven to 'breaking point' due to the demands of serving in multiple parishes, taking a heavy toll on their mental and physical health.
The Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) found a surge in elderly clergymen suffering from mental and physical exhaustion, with many barely able to meet their increased workload.
- The number of serving priests in Ireland has halved to nearly 2,000 over the past 30 years.
- Most serving priests are now in their 70s.
- There are only 13 seminarians in training, putting further pressure on the existing clergy.
The demands on serving priests have never been greater, while the future of the Church in Ireland has rarely looked bleaker.
Ahead of its annual general meeting, the ACP expressed concern over the rising numbers of their dwindling community suffering poor health and isolation.
Author's summary: Priests in Ireland face burnout due to declining numbers.
More News
- Uganda Blames 'Criminals' After Attacks on Police Leave 20 Dead
- You're being watched: How AI learns who you are, uses it against you - The Cougar
- Policy Brief: Open Internet Standards - Internet Society
- 2026 BYD Sealion 8 review: Quick drive
- 2026 BYD Sealion 8 review: Quick drive
- 2026 BYD Sealion 8 review: Quick drive
- Jennifer Lawrence Hits an Afterparty in a Lacy Look
- Man Utd legend responds to rumours he could replace Pereira as Wolves manager
- Medieval tower collapses, severely injuring a worker and trapping another
- Louvre heist the work of ‘petty criminals’, Paris prosecutor says