Croatia has experienced a significant drop in the number of monks and nuns, with around 1,000 fewer members of religious orders recorded in less than a decade, according to data from the Croatian Religious Conference.
The figures highlight a growing challenge for the Catholic Church in a country where around 80% of the population identifies as Catholic.
Currently, Croatia has around 3,200 monks and nuns across 77 religious communities, including 54 female and 23 male orders.
Despite these numbers, the downward trend is raising concerns about the future of religious life, RTL Danas reported.
One of the key reasons behind the decline is a noticeable drop in young people choosing a religious vocation.
Social attitudes appear to play a role, with some suggesting that openly expressing faith is increasingly viewed as unfashionable or even stigmatised among younger generations.
There is also a sense that the Church needs to become more open and inclusive to attract younger members, with some calling for a stronger focus on engagement, community activities and youth-led initiatives.
Demographic changes are another major factor. Croatia, like much of Europe, faces low birth rates, meaning there are simply fewer young people overall compared to previous generations.
Religious figures also point to the personal challenges involved in choosing such a path.
Entering religious life often requires individuals to leave behind established careers and social circles, making the decision more complex, particularly for those considering it later in life.
While fewer young people are entering religious orders, there has been a rise in older candidates, often in their 30s, who already have work experience and established careers before making the transition.
Church leaders note that these individuals bring maturity and life experience, but their journeys often involve significant personal sacrifice and adjustment.
Within the Church community, there are growing calls for renewed efforts to connect with younger generations.
Suggestions include increasing the number of youth educators, organising more community activities and creating opportunities for shared experiences such as travel and outreach programmes.