The religious affiliation of people in Latin American countries remains dominated by Catholicism, but that share is declining, according to a recent Pew Research Center report.
In six of the region’s most populous countries, Catholics make up between 46% (Brazil and Chile) and 67% (Mexico and Peru) of the population, according to a 2024 study. In each of those countries, however, the Catholic share fell by at least 9 percentage points over the past decade. In Colombia, which registered as 60% Catholic in 2024, the share declined by 19 percentage points, down from 79% in 2014.
Across most of Latin America, Protestantism saw modest growth over the past decade, with the most significant increase in Brazil, where it rose by 3 percentage points. In Mexico, Protestant affiliation remained unchanged.
In each of the six countries that experienced a significant decline in Catholic affiliation, the primary factor appears to be a sharp increase in the number of people identifying as religiously unaffiliated. In Argentina, this shift was particularly pronounced, with a 13-point drop in those identifying as Catholic and a corresponding 13-point increase in those saying they are religiously unaffiliated since 2014.
Colombia’s 19-point decline in Catholic affiliation coincided with a 17-point increase in those identifying as religiously unaffiliated. Despite these shifts, most people in Latin America continue to believe in God, regardless of religious affiliation.
Argentina has the lowest rate of theistic belief, at 62%, while Brazil has the highest, at 92%. On average, 79% of Latin Americans report believing in God.
More information on the Pew study can be found here.
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