La Croix is recognized as a media that understands Christians: 76% of readers believe that the media “rather” or “completely” faithfully reproduces their way of living and perceiving the world, and this is 82% among practicing Christians. But the media also serves as a bridge to non-believers: among them, 97% consider the media accessible to those who do not share the Christian faith, according to the study “Reading The Cross… and after? » carried out with our readers in February and March 2026.
Who are the French Catholics? The study that deconstructs preconceived ideas
A vast Ifop study for Bayard-La Croix, revealed in December 2025, marked the media landscape with its unprecedented nature. Rarely have French Catholics been x-rayed with such precision. The results challenge preconceived ideas: regular practitioners (5.5% of adults, or three million people) appear plural and very diverse on the political spectrum.
In a landscape prone to caricature, this study brings nuance and complexity. She has been quoted in 70 media, both Catholic and general. Our journalists spoke in particular on France Inter, in “The debate on the big morning” (4.7 million listeners) and “The telephone is ringing” (956,000 listeners).
Death of Francis, election of Leo XIV: coverage on a historic scale
From April 21 to May 12, 2025, La Croix launched an exceptional operation consisting of live broadcasts from Rome, investigations, portraits, unpublished reports, videos and a specific newsletter, to cover the death of Pope Francis and the conclave, drawing on the expertise of the entire editorial team and in particular the religion department.
This system met with a massive response: 477 published contents, 5.8 million views and 133,000 reader reactions, with peaks of 1.1 million page views per day, eight times the usual average. The visibility of the media has increased with 49 press reviews, 358 quotes and 116 appearances by our journalists on TV sets in 7 countries, confirming La Croix as the French voice of reference on world Catholic news.
Female diaconate: at the heart of the debate
After the publication of the Vatican report opposing the ordination of women deacons, La Croix published two columns with opposing positions, the first written by Monique Baujard, theologian and the second by Father Jérôme Bonaldo. The choice to leave the debate open freed up the floor: nearly 200 testimonies poured in. Supporters of reform rely on biblical texts: “Our nursing homes are deprived of the sacraments for lack of ministers. Why refuse women this service? », calls out Chantal, reader.
For many, the refusal is due to the “fear of loss of power”, summarizes Emmanuel, reader. The opponents rely on doctrinal logic: the unity of the sacrament of the order prohibits opening the diaconate without opening the priesthood. This debate is far from over.
Sept-Fons Abbey: “The Cross” breaks the silence
The publication of an investigation into the spiritual influence at the Abbey of Sept-Fons provoked several dozen reactions. Our choice to investigate this community was hailed as “courage of truth”.
Readers, including former monks, wrote to testify. Some confirming the facts, others recounting their own experiences. For one of them, who remained anonymous, only the press allowed the truth to emerge. Behind the stories and the calls to prayer, the same question runs through the testimonies: can we love our Church while demanding that it recognize its deviances?
In readers’ letters
“Small step by small step, the reality of life in all its diversity finds its way towards the institution-Church. Thank you for this hope. », Anne-Marie.
“I dream of a pope who makes the “common home” his mission: open, positive ecology… a true “transversal practice” with a philosophy or spirituality turned towards the contemplation of the wonders of nature, its secrets, its mysteries, its victories… its lessons in humility! », Evelyne.
