Major Branches of Christianity
A visual overview of Christianity's three main branches, Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox, with estimated populations.
Estimated adherents by branch (~2.5 billion total)
50.1%
36.7%
11.9%
Catholic, 1.35B (50.1%)
Led by the Pope in Rome. Largest single Christian body.
Protestant, 0.9B (36.7%)
Diverse movement from the Reformation: Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals, etc.
Orthodox, 0.26B (11.9%)
Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches, concentrated in Eastern Europe and Middle East.
Other Christian, 0.03B (1.3%)
Includes Latter-day Saints, Jehovah's Witnesses, and independent churches.
Source: Pew Research Center, "Global Christianity," 2011.
The data behind the chart
| Branch | Adherents | Share of Christians | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catholic | 1.35 billion | 50.1% | Led by the Pope in Rome. Largest single Christian body. |
| Protestant | 0.9 billion | 36.7% | Diverse movement from the Reformation: Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals, etc. |
| Orthodox | 0.26 billion | 11.9% | Eastern and Oriental Orthodox churches, concentrated in Eastern Europe and Middle East. |
| Other Christian | 30 million | 1.3% | Includes Latter-day Saints, Jehovah's Witnesses, and independent churches. |