Religion in Portugal

Roman Catholicism is the main form of Christianity, which is the most common religion in Portugal. Although the Catholic Church in Portugal was once the official state religion, Portugal does not currently have an official religion. Although only around 19% of Portugal's population regularly attended Mass and received the sacraments in 2001, 81% of Portuguese people identify as Catholic, and a greater proportion of people want their children to be baptized, married in a church, and receive Last Rites.

Portugal is one of the most religious nations in Europe; the majority of Portuguese people firmly believe in God's existence and value religion in their daily lives. 40% of Portuguese Catholics pray daily, placing Portugal as the ninth most religious nation out of 34 in Europe, according to the Pew Research Center. Portugal is the ninth most religious nation in Europe out of 34, according to the Pew Research Center; 40% of Portuguese Catholics pray daily[6] and 36% place a high value on religion in their life.

Although the Portuguese First Republic (1910–1926) established a formal division between the two, which was reaffirmed in the constitution of 1976, Roman Catholic teachings continue to have a substantial impact on Portuguese society and culture. For a very long time, the Church had exclusive control over the educational and healthcare systems, and whenever a new building, bridge, or highway was constructed, the clergy frequently gave their blessing. Despite the legal separation of Church and State, the Catholic Church nonetheless enjoys several privileges.