Religiosity and crime: Evidence from a city-wide shock

This study examines the relationship between religiosity and crime using data from the 2015 visit of Pope Francis to Philadelphia. By analysing daily crime reports before, during, and after the visit, the researchers found a significant reduction in less serious crimes, particularly drug-related offences, during the week of the visit and for several weeks afterward.

The effects were strongest in historically Christian neighbourhoods, suggesting that increased religious engagement or community cohesion may have influenced behaviour. The study also compared the findings with President Obama’s visit to Philadelphia in the same year and found no similar reduction in crime, indicating that the results were unlikely to be explained by changes in police deployment alone.

Overall, the research suggests that religiosity and community-level religious engagement may have a protective association with certain forms of crime, including drug-related offending.