Irreligion in Italy

Irreligion in Italy encompasses atheists, agnostics, and other non-religious individuals, comprising approximately 12% of the population, making it the second-largest religious demographic after Christianity. Freedom of religion was established by the Italian Constitution of 1948, ending the Catholic Church's status as the state church.

Historically, Italy has been a hub for secular thought, particularly during the Renaissance. Notable figures like Lucilio Vanini, an early advocate for naturalistic philosophy, faced persecution and execution in 1619 for his atheistic views. The Italian Inquisition actively challenged irreligion during this period.

In contemporary times, prominent Italian politicians, artists, and scholars have identified as atheist or irreligious. Current demographic data indicates that 11.5–13% of Italians are unaffiliated with religion, projected to rise to 16.3% by 2050. Despite this trend, most Italians are baptized Catholic, influencing key life events. The importance of religion has notably declined among younger generations in the 21st century.