Catholicism as an organization has a lot of skeletons in the closet. I'm surprised it's not declining faster.

> Catholicism has never been that, and it's declining too.

In the U.S. you are likely correct. But in Spain, Portugal, Argentina and many parts of Latin America it was a strong supporter of fascist/authoritarian regimes up until the 70's and 80's. Also, up until the 19th century Catholicism was the foundation of very authoritarian and absolutist monarchies.

Spillover effect. Catholics might not have the terrible reputation that evangelicals do, but they all fall under the Christian umbrella.