In Spain today the number of young non-believers is almost double that of practicing Catholics

'Gathering at the church' by Keith Williamson.

El Mundo reports that according to a survey conducted for the Ministry of Health's Youth Institute, the number of young practicing Catholic has plummeted, having gone from 29.2% in 2002 to 10.3% in 2010. At the same time, non-believers (19.1%) and atheists (9.6%) have increased nine and three points, respectively.

The survey, which was conducted in November 2010 by the Ferrer i Guardia Foundation, found that practicing Catholics in this age group declined from 29.5% in 2002 to 10.3%. At 45%, non-practicing Catholics are in the majority.

The general director of the Institute, Alconchel Gabriel, told the paper that for young people in Spain today, "religion is a private matter with little impact on the way they conduct their lives."