Latin American Catholicism Diversifies

A 2026 Pew Research Center survey of more than 6,100 adults across key Latin American countries shows variation in Catholic affiliation, belief and practice that no longer fits a single regional story. Differences between Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Peru and Chile suggest the Church’s social role and political influence are fragmenting in measurable ways. — If Catholic identity is diverging across major countries, that reshapes expectations for papal diplomacy, political coalitions, social service delivery and religious politics across the hemisphere.