You're right. My wife and mother went on a pilgrimage together 4 years ago to Lourdes, Fatima and the Vatican. They are going again this summer. My wife told me that the French were absolutely secular and finding a french worshipper even at Lourdes was a near miracle in itself. She also said the Spanish and Italians are far more secular than we are which is odd given the pervasiveness of the Catholic Church but believable. The Portuguese came off the best but only slightly ahead of the Spanish...
Well most Europeans are secular, but I am a Christian. Dont believe in Catholisism, because of its history of luting people. Making people think their contribution to the Vatican will get them to heaven. You cannot pay your way to heaven!
This time, suggest they swing through Assisi. It's a 'must' stop on any pilgrimage. St. Francis bequeathed his peace on this small town. There is a serenity there like no other place on earth.