Superstition Not Uncommon Among Italian Catholics

The survey, carried out by the University of Cagliari, in Sardinia, interviewed some 3,000 people between the age of 15 and 61, of different levels of education. It revealed that a large majority of Italians, 83.4%, said they were Catholics, while 13.7% said they were atheist, and 2.9% Buddhist.

The survey found that 6.4% visit wizards and fortunetellers.

Many have doubts about miracles, such as weeping or bleeding statues (33.7%). Those who are convinced are far fewer (13.1%). Moreover, 28.6% were convinced that at some point they were the target of witchcraft, and 19.4% have participated in spiritualistic sessions.

In addition, 30.9% wear amulets, and 10.9% are convinced they had a previous life, while 63.4% deny this.

The study also questioned people on the "prince of darkness"; 41.1% were convinced of his existence, 38.3% denied it, and 20.6% said the devil "might" exist.