Phoenix, Arizona, a city known for drawing residents from more liberal areas like New York and Los Angeles, is experiencing a substantial increase in Catholic converts. The Diocese of Phoenix has grown to more than two million parishioners in recent years, making it the second-largest Catholic diocese in the United States, trailing only the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Data from the Diocese of Phoenix shows a marked increase in religious participation. In 2025, there were 512 adult baptisms, a 46.7 percent rise from 2022. Adult confirmations and first communions also saw significant jumps, with 1,404 confirmations and 1,118 first communions in 2025, compared to 507 confirmations and 621 first communions in 2022. Diocese officials anticipate further increases as more data for 2026 becomes available.
Joyce Coronel, the Diocese of Phoenix manager, attributes the surge to a desire for something profound. "Something holy is taking place, something historical, something that goes way back, and they're intrigued by that," she stated, describing the current interest as "enormous." Many younger converts, including Gen Z and millennials who represent a significant portion of new adherents, are drawn to the Church by a search for "personal hunger," community, and truth. Some cite the Church's traditions, liturgy, and history as key attractions.
Riley Myers, a 23-year-old convert, shared her experience of feeling lost after returning to Flagstaff, Arizona, in August 2024. After praying for guidance, she decided to return to the Catholic Church, where she had attended services as a child. Myers found comfort and a deeper understanding during a service in early 2025, describing a feeling of "warmth and this presence."
The growth in Phoenix mirrors a broader trend of renewed interest in Catholicism across the United States. A report from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research indicates that church attendance has risen for the first time in two decades, accompanied by an increase in volunteerism and a sense of optimism among clergy. Vice President JD Vance has also publicly shared his spiritual journey, detailing his conversion to Catholicism in his book "Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith."
Phoenix's appeal extends beyond its religious resurgence. The city remains an affordable housing market, with a median listing price significantly lower than that of Los Angeles. This affordability, coupled with larger homes, spacious yards, and desirable amenities, continues to attract individuals and families, potentially contributing to the diverse population seeking spiritual connection within the growing Catholic community.