What do Latin Americans believe? Catholicism declines and those who do not profess any religion rise

In Latin America, Catholicism is declining while the number of people identifying as non-religious is increasing. The Pope's visit highlights the contrast between the fervent participation in religious events and the diminishing Catholic affiliation, which has dropped from 80% in 1995 to 55% in 2026. Countries like Uruguay show the lowest Catholic identification at 35%, while non-religious individuals have risen from 4% to 16%. Despite this, belief in God remains strong across the region. Evangelical movements are gaining ground, contributing to the decline of Catholicism. The relationship between the Church and politics varies by country, with Uruguay being more secular compared to Argentina, where the Church retains significant influence despite the decline in followers. The Pope's visit aims to address social issues and promote human dignity, reflecting the complex interplay between faith and politics in the region.