THE NUMBERS OF priests and nuns in the Catholic Church are falling.

That’s according to the Statistical Yearbook of the Church, published by the Vatican Library.

It shows the records in Ireland over a 10 year period from 2002 to 2012.

The numbers in the female congregation have dropped from 8,953 in 2002 to 6,912 in 2012. That’s a fall of 2,041 (23%).

Statistical Yearbook of the Church Statistical Yearbook of the Church

Meanwhile, the number of diocesan priests dropped from 3,203 to 2,800 over the same time period, a fall of 403 (13%).

In Dublin diocese there are now just two priests under the age of 40.

Statistical Yearbook of the Church Statistical Yearbook of the Church

The number of religious priests – members of congregations and orders – dropped from 2,159 in 2002 to 1,888 in 2012, a fall of 271 (12.5%).

Statistical Yearbook of the Church Statistical Yearbook of the Church

The number of laymen who have taken temporary or perpetual vows also fell.

There were 869 in 2002 but only 628 in 2012. That’s a drop of 241 (28%).

Statistical Yearbook of the Church Statistical Yearbook of the Church

Read: Pope Francis will meet with Irish abuse survivors for the first time>

Read: Catholic Church was within its rights to sack married priest says European Court>