South America

South America is the fourth-largest continent, spanning approximately 17.84 million km² and home to about 430 million people as of 2023, representing about 5% of the global population. Stretching from the Caribbean to Tierra del Fuego, it encompasses diverse cultures, economies, and religions, with Christianity, particularly Catholicism, being predominant.

The Catholic Church, with approximately 350 million adherents (about 81% of South America’s population), is the dominant faith, particularly in countries like:

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Peru

Introduced in the 16th century, Catholicism has shaped the continent’s culture through saints, shrines, and missionary work, despite challenges from secularism and growing Protestantism.

Countries

country name	population	catholic population	catholic percentage
Argentina	46,044,703	33,000,000	72.0
Bolivia	12,300,000	9,500,000	77.0
Brazil	216,000,000	129,600,000	60.0
Chile	19,600,000	11,000,000	56.0
Colombia	52,000,000	39,000,000	75.0
Ecuador	18,190,000	14,000,000	77.0
Guyana	816,000	65,000	8.0
Paraguay	7,305,843	6,500,000	89.0
Peru	34,300,000	26,000,000	76.0
Suriname	639,000	135,000	21.0
Uruguay	3,470,000	1,400,000	40.0
Venezuela	29,000,000	20,300,000	70.0

Geography

South America covers 17.84 million km², bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Caribbean Sea to the north, and the Southern Ocean to the south. Its diverse climates range from Amazonian rainforests to Andean highlands, supporting economies like agriculture in Brazil and mining in Chile.

Major cities host significant Catholic communities such as:

• São Paulo
• Buenos Aires
• Lima

Geography facilitates Catholic pilgrimages, with routes connecting sites like the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil and the Shrine of Our Lady of Copacabana in Bolivia. Mountainous and coastal regions house historic churches, integrating Catholicism into South America’s varied landscapes.

Catholic history

Catholicism in South America began in the 16th century, introduced by Spanish and Portuguese colonizers and missionaries like the Jesuits.

• The Church became dominant under colonial rule, establishing strongholds in Brazil and Peru, while facing resistance from Indigenous groups.
• Key events include the:
  • Establishment of dioceses in Santo Domingo (1511) and Lima (1541)
  • Jesuit missions in Paraguay during the 17th century
• The 20th century saw growth in Argentina and challenges from liberation theology and secularism.

The Church operates 617 dioceses across South America, led by national episcopal conferences.

Demographics

South America’s population is approximately 430 million, with Catholics numbering about 350 million (81%), concentrated in:

• Brazil (130 million, 65% of its population)
• Argentina (34 million, 85%)
• Peru (25 million, 80%)

Ethnic diversity includes mestizos, Europeans, and Indigenous groups, with Catholicism stronger in urban and rural communities. In countries like Uruguay and Chile, Catholics face growing secularism and Protestantism (10–20% minorities). Catholic communities remain vibrant in education and charity despite these challenges.

Introduction of Catholicism

Catholicism was introduced to South America in the 16th century, through Spanish and Portuguese colonizers, with missionaries like the Franciscans and Jesuits evangelizing Indigenous populations.

• The Church established missions in Brazil and Peru, often under colonial patronage.
• The Jesuits created reductions in Paraguay to protect Indigenous converts.
• By the 17th century, Catholicism had rooted across the continent, shaping colonial society despite resistance from native groups.

Key historical events

Key Catholic events in South America include the establishment of the:

• Archdiocese of Santo Domingo in 1511, the first in the Americas
• Archdiocese of Lima in 1541, a colonial hub.

The Jesuit Reductions in Paraguay (1609–1767) protected Indigenous communities.

The 1978 papal mediation by Pope John Paul II resolved the Argentina-Chile Beagle Channel dispute.

Recent events include the 2017 canonization of Brazilian martyrs and ongoing Church growth in Bolivia.

Catholicism Status

Catholicism is the dominant religion in South America (81%), particularly in Brazil, Argentina, and Peru, but faces challenges from secularism and growing Protestantism in countries like Chile. In urban areas, the Church navigates declining attendance, while rural communities remain devout. Catholicism influences education and charity through organizations like Caritas, with legal recognition in most countries, though secular policies challenge its role.

Notable Catholic sites

Pilgrimage sites

Major pilgrimage sites include the:

• Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida in Brazil, drawing millions annually
• Shrine of Our Lady of Copacabana in Bolivia, a key Marian site
• Basilica of Our Lady of Luján in Argentina, a national shrine
• In Peru, the Sanctuary of Our Lord of Miracles in Lima attracts devotees

Historical Churches

Historical churches include:

• Catedral Metropolitana de São Paulo, built in 1954, a symbol of Brazilian Catholicism
• Catedral Primada de América in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, built in 1541
• Basilica of San Francisco in La Paz, Bolivia, constructed in 1753

Saints and blesseds

Patron saints

South America’s patron saints include:

• Our Lady of Aparecida, patron of Brazil
• Saint Rose of Lima, patron of Peru, canonized in 1671
• Saint Toribio de Mogrovejo, patron of Latin American bishops, canonized in 1726

Associated saints and blesseds

Associated figures include:

• Saint Martin de Porres, Peruvian saint, canonized in 1962
• Blessed Laura Vicuña, Chilean martyr, beatified in 1988
• Saint Juan Diego, linked to the Virgin of Guadalupe, canonized in 2002
• Blessed André de Soveral, Brazilian martyr, canonized in 2017

They highlight South America’s rich Catholic heritage. Their contributions range from charity to martyrdom.

See Also

• Asia
• Africa
• North America
• South America
• Antarctica
• Europe
• Australia and Oceania
• Catholic Church
• List of saints from South America

External links

• "South America". CIA World Factbook. 2024-12-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/continents/south-america/. 
• "Catholic Dioceses in South America". GCatholic.org. 2025-01-22. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/continent/sa.htm. 
• "Catholic Church in South America". Catholics & Cultures. 2023-06-10. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/south-america.