Michael Brooks
Argentina is a largely Catholic country, with an estimated 80 to 90% of the population having been baptized. However, the proportion of practicing Catholics is much lower, estimated at around 20% for the country and even less for the capital, Buenos Aires. According to the CIA World Factbook, 92% of Argentinians are nominally Catholic, but later studies in 2019 suggest that the percentage of Catholics ranges from 62.9% to 63.3%. The Catholic Church has historically held significant influence and power in Argentina, dating back to the period of Spanish colonial rule from the 16th to the early 19th centuries. However, in recent years, there has been a sharp decline in the number of Catholics, following a broader Latin American trend.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Catholics in Argentina | 62.9% to 63.3% (2019); 77% (2008) |
| Percentage of practicing Catholics in Argentina | Less than 20% (2014); 20% (2020) |
| Number of Catholic universities in Argentina | 9 |
| Number of dioceses and archdioceses in Argentina | At least 1 archdiocese (Buenos Aires) |
| Influence of the Catholic Church in Argentina | Significant influence and power over the country's history |
| Religious freedom in Argentina | Guaranteed by the Constitution |
| Percentage of people with no religion in Argentina | 19% (2019); 11% (2008) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Catholicism is not the official religion of Argentina, but 92% of the country are nominally Catholic
- Less than 20% of Catholics in Argentina regularly practice their faith
- Pope Francis, the current Pope, is Argentinian
- Catholicism was introduced to Argentina in the 17th century by Jesuit missionaries from Spain
- The proportion of Catholics in Argentina dropped from 77% to 63% between 2008 and 2019. Other sources also indicate a decline in Argentinian Catholicism
Catholicism is not the official religion of Argentina, but 92% of the country are nominally Catholic
While Catholicism is not Argentina's official religion, it is deeply ingrained in the country's society, culture, and politics. According to the CIA World Factbook from July 2014, 92% of Argentinians are nominally Catholic, but this number has decreased in recent years. Later studies in 2019 suggest that between 62.9% and 63.3% of Argentinians identify as Catholic. This decline follows a broader Latin American trend, with an increasing number of people identifying as having no religion.
The Catholic Church has historically held significant influence and power in Argentina, dating back to the period of Spanish colonial rule from the 16th to the early 19th centuries. The Church's role in modern-day Argentina is complex, with areas of contention including contraception, economic policies, and the disputed involvement of the Church in the Dirty War.
Despite the decline in Catholicism, the country still has a strong Catholic presence. There are nine Catholic universities in Argentina, and religious orders run and sponsor hundreds of primary and secondary schools throughout the country. Additionally, Buenos Aires, the nation's capital, is home to the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, which houses the remains of General José de San Martín in a mausoleum.
While the current Pope, Pope Francis, is Argentinian, this does not seem to have boosted church membership significantly. The decline in Catholicism is attributed to various factors, including the rise of evangelical Protestant churches, particularly among the young and poor, and gradual social changes related to family structure, the role of women, and gender diversity.
In conclusion, while Catholicism is not the official religion of Argentina, it continues to play a significant role in the country, with 92% of the population nominally Catholic as of 2014, despite a declining trend in recent years.
Cardinals: Duties and Responsibilities in the Catholic Church
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Shantung, the Sacred Province of China ... Including Brief Histories with Statistics, Etc. of the Catholic and Protestant Missions and Life-Sketches of Protestant Martyrs, 1912 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617DLHXyzlL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Less than 20% of Catholics in Argentina regularly practice their faith
While Argentina is a predominantly Catholic country, with an estimated 80 to 90 percent of the population baptized, less than 20% of Catholics in Argentina regularly practice their faith. This means that while many Argentines may identify as Catholic, the number of those actively participating in religious activities and rituals is much lower.
The relationship between the state and the Catholic Church in Argentina has been complex and marked by periods of conflict and cooperation. The Church solidified its presence during the period of Spanish colonial rule from the 16th to the early 19th centuries. However, in the 19th century, church-state relations were strained due to disagreements over compulsory secular education, civil marriage, and the appointment of religious authorities.
Despite the country's Catholic majority, religion does not play a significant role in the daily lives of many Argentines, especially in larger cities like Buenos Aires. While there are numerous Catholic churches in Buenos Aires, it is possible to live in the city for months without encountering noticeable reminders of the country's Catholic roots. Feast days and Masses are often sparsely attended, and holidays are more commonly associated with liberators or independence rather than the Church calendar.
The decline in religious practice among Catholics in Argentina mirrors a broader trend across Latin America. Between 2008 and 2019, the proportion of Catholics in Argentina dropped from 77 percent to 63 percent. During the same period, the number of people without any religious affiliation, known as "nones," increased significantly, rising from 11 percent in 2008 to 19 percent in 2019.
Various factors have contributed to the decline in Catholic practice and the rise of religious diversity in Argentina. The growth of evangelical Protestant churches, particularly among the young and low-income populations, has drawn some Catholics away from the Catholic Church. Additionally, societal changes related to family structures, the evolving social role of women, and increasing gender diversity have influenced religious beliefs and practices.
Catholics and Orthodox: What Are the Key Differences?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pope Francis, the current Pope, is Argentinian
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Latin American Pope and the first Pope from the Americas. He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 17 December 1936 and died on 21 April 2025. Pope Francis was head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 13 March 2013 until his death in 2025.
Pope Francis was the eldest of five children. His parents were Mario José Bergoglio, an Italian immigrant and accountant from Piedmont, and Regina María Sívori, a housewife born in Buenos Aires to a family of northern Italian origin. Mario Bergoglio's family fled Italy in 1929 to escape Benito Mussolini's fascist rule. Pope Francis played football with friends in his neighbourhood as a child and supported the Argentine team San Lorenzo. He was inspired to join the Jesuits in 1958 after recovering from a severe illness and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1969. From 1973 to 1979, he was the Jesuit provincial superior in Argentina. He became the archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998 and was created a cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II.
Pope Francis was elected by the 2013 papal conclave on 13 March, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He chose Francis as his papal name in honour of Saint Francis. Pope Francis's manner was less formal than that of his predecessors, and his style was described by the news coverage as "no frills". On the night of his election, he took a bus back to his hotel with the cardinals instead of being driven in the papal car. He chose not to live in the official papal residence in the Apostolic Palace, opting to remain in the Vatican guest house. Pope Francis was fluent in Italian, German, and his native Spanish. He was also conversant in Latin, French, Portuguese, and English and understood Piedmontese and some Genoese Ligurian.
Pope Francis helped restore full diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States and negotiated a deal with the People's Republic of China to define Communist Party influence in appointing Chinese bishops. He encouraged peace between Israel and the Palestinians and signed the Vatican's first treaty with the State of Palestine. In 2022, he apologised for the Church's role in the cultural genocide of Canadian Indigenous peoples in residential schools. From 2023 onwards, he condemned Israel's military operations in Gaza, calling for investigations of war crimes.
According to the CIA World Factbook (July 2014), 92% of Argentina are nominally Catholic, but less than 20% practice their faith regularly. Later studies in 2019 suggest that between 62.9% and 63.3% of Argentinians are Catholic. Although Argentina is largely Catholic, it is not the official state religion, and freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution.
Scripture Study: A Catholic's Guide to Reading
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Catholicism was introduced to Argentina in the 17th century by Jesuit missionaries from Spain
Catholicism is the predominant religion in Argentina, with estimates of the percentage of Catholics in the country ranging from 62.9% to 92%. However, the number of practicing Catholics is much lower, with only about 20% of the population attending weekly Mass. The country's strong roots in Catholicism can be traced back to the period of Spanish colonial rule from the 16th to the early 19th centuries.
The Catholic Church has had a significant influence on Argentina's history, culture, and politics. It has been deeply interwoven into the public life of the country, with religious symbols and churches prevalent throughout. While church attendance is not common for regular Masses, it is more usual for events such as baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
Catholicism in Argentina is organized under dioceses and archdioceses, with Buenos Aires being a metropolitan archdiocese due to its size and historical significance as the nation's capital. The country also has several Catholic universities and primary and secondary schools run and sponsored by religious orders.
In recent decades, Catholicism has been declining in popularity, while there has been a rise in Protestantism and a growing number of people unaffiliated with any organized religion.
John Mahoney's Catholic Faith: A True Devotee?
You may want to see also
The proportion of Catholics in Argentina dropped from 77% to 63% between 2008 and 2019. Other sources also indicate a decline in Argentinian Catholicism
Argentina has historically been a Catholic-majority country, with the Catholic Church being the largest denomination of Christianity, the most widely professed religion in the country. The Church's influence in Argentina can be traced back to the period of Spanish colonial rule from the 16th to the early 19th centuries.
However, in recent years, there has been a notable decline in the proportion of Catholics in the country. According to a 2008 CONICET survey, about 76.5% to 77.1% of Argentines were Roman Catholic. By 2019, later studies suggest that the percentage of Catholics in Argentina had dropped to between 59% and 63.3%increase in the number of people without any religious affiliation, as well as the growth of evangelical Protestant churches and other religious denominations in the country.
The decline in Catholicism is not unique to Argentina but reflects an overall Latin American trend. Despite this, Catholicism continues to hold significance in Argentine society, culture, and politics, with Catholic representatives participating in many state functions. Additionally, the still-high percentage of people who believe in God—82%%—is seen as an opportunity for the Church to prevent further losses.
While the exact numbers may vary, the available data indicates a downward trend in the percentage of Catholics in Argentina between 2008 and 2019, with a corresponding rise in religious unaffiliation and the growth of other religious groups.
Catholic Professor Dawn McCarty: Her Faith and Work
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Between 62.9% and 71% of Argentinians identify as Catholic, though some sources state that up to 92% are nominally Catholic.
Assuming Argentina's population remains at 45 million, between 27.9 million and 31.9 million people identify as Catholic.
Only 15% of Argentine Catholics attend Mass at least once a week.
Less than 20% of Argentine Catholics are practising Catholics.
No, Argentina does not have an official state religion. However, the country's constitution grants the Catholic Church preferential legal status.
