Latin America's Changing Faith Landscape: A Shift Away from Catholicism
Once a Catholic stronghold, Latin America is experiencing a significant shift in religious affiliation. Recent surveys reveal a notable decline in the number of people identifying as Catholic in six major countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. Over the past decade, Catholicism's share of the population has decreased by at least 9 percentage points.
The Rise of the "Nones"
The most striking trend is the rise of the "nones"—those who identify as atheist, agnostic, or "nothing in particular". In Argentina and Colombia, about one-quarter of adults now fall into this category. This shift is particularly pronounced in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Mexico, where the unaffiliated now outnumber Protestants.
Reasons Behind the Shift
The decline in Catholicism can be attributed to several factors:
- Clergy sex abuse scandals
- Church stances on abortion and LGBTQ+ rights
As a result, many Latin Americans are exploring spiritual paths outside traditional religion, turning to practices like yoga, tarot, and astrology.
Religious Beliefs Remain Strong
Despite the shift, Latin Americans remain deeply religious:
- 9 in 10 adults still believe in God.
- Half or more of adults in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru consider religion very important.
- Majorities in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru pray at least once a day.
Protestantism Stable, Unaffiliated on the Rise
Protestantism has remained relatively stable. In Brazil, the country with the largest Protestant population among the six surveyed, 29% of adults now identify as Protestant, up slightly from 26% in 2013-14. However, the most significant change is the rise of the unaffiliated, highlighting a broader trend of individuals seeking spiritual fulfillment outside organized religion.
