In the eight years that have separated Pope Benedict’s apostolic journey to Turkey from the announcement of the upcoming visit by Pope Francis, the nation’s Catholic population has soared 66% as Christian refugees have fled war-torn Syria and Iraq.

In addition, seven parishes have opened, even as the number of priests and religious has declined.

In 2006, 32,000 of Turkey’s 72.07 million people were Catholic, and 68 priests and 86 religious served in 47 parishes.

According to an October 29 statement from the Holy See Press Office, 53,000 of Turkey’s 76.14 million people were Catholic as of December 2013. 58 priests and 54 religious serve in 54 parishes.

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