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‪During the second half of the nineteenth century, Le Play’s social science was welcomed by numerous Catholics. There was an important participation of clergy in intellectual circles founded by Frédéric Le Play and his follower, l’abbé Henri de Tourville. These participants came from different levels of the Catholic hierarchy, which often supported them. Their involvement included theory and teaching in social science, but also the use of empirical surveys and practical experience for social improvement. When Catholic sociology appeared in France at the beginning of the twentieth century, the influence of Le Play’s social science declined among the clergy.‪