Michael Brooks
Mexico is home to the largest Spanish-speaking population in the world and one of the biggest Catholic populations, too. While the country is officially secular and has allowed freedom of religion since the mid-19th century, about 78% of the population identifies as Catholic, according to the 2020 Mexican government census. This number has been declining in recent decades, with the growth of other Christian denominations, especially various Protestant churches, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Mormonism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of Mexicans who are Catholic | 78% (2020), down from 83% in 2010, 82.7% in 2000, and 96% in 1970 |
| Number of Mexican Catholics | 90,224,559 |
| Percentage of Mexicans with no religion | 8.1% (2020), up from 5% in 2010, 4.7% in 2010 census |
| Religious landscape | Predominantly Christian, with a mix of Catholic, Protestant, and indigenous beliefs |
| Catholic Church's status | The Catholic Church was the only permissible church at independence, but exclusive standing was curtailed in the mid-19th century |
| Catholic population trends | Declining, with growth of other Christian denominations, especially in central Mexico |
| Catholic influence | Religious processions, shrines, cathedrals, and celebrations like the Day of the Dead are part of Mexico's cultural landscape |
| Catholic beliefs and practices | Mexican Catholics hold diverse views on morality, marriage, divorce, and contraception, with some syncretism of indigenous beliefs |
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What You'll Learn
- Mexico has the world's second-largest number of Catholics
- The percentage of Mexican Catholics has declined since 1970
- Central Mexico remains one of the most Catholic areas in the world
- Mexican Catholics' views on homosexuality differ from the Catholic Church's
- Mexico is a secular country with freedom of religion
Mexico has the world's second-largest number of Catholics
Catholicism has a long history in Mexico, established in the country as early as the 16th century. At independence, it maintained its status as the only permissible church. However, in the mid-19th century, the exclusive standing of the Catholic Church was curtailed, and freedom of religion was established. Since then, various other Christian denominations, such as Protestantism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Mormonism, have gained a foothold in the country, leading to a decline in the percentage of Catholics over time. Despite this, Mexico remains a highly religious country, with a rich cultural and physical landscape influenced by Catholic traditions.
The Catholic Church in Mexico faces challenges, with some Mexicans leaving the faith or syncretizing Catholic practices with native traditions. In 2020, 8.1% to 8.2% of the population reported having no religion, and the number of Mexican Catholics fell by 5% in the first decade of the 21st century. However, Mexico still has a large Catholic majority, and the decline in Catholic identification is less pronounced than in some neighboring Central American countries.
While the Catholic Church in Mexico faces competition from other religious groups, it remains a significant force in the country. The Church's presence can be seen in the many roadside shrines, spectacular cathedrals, and traditional Catholic processions that dot the Mexican landscape. Additionally, the Virgin Mary, as represented by the Lady of Guadalupe, is a deeply rooted belief among Mexican Catholics. The country's strong Catholic identity is further highlighted by the fact that it attracted global attention during Pope Francis' visit in 2016.
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The percentage of Mexican Catholics has declined since 1970
Mexico is home to one of the largest Catholic populations in the world, with 90,224,559 Catholics, second only to Brazil. However, the percentage of Mexican Catholics has indeed declined since 1970, when 96% of Mexicans identified as Catholic. In 2000, 82.7% of the population was Catholic, and by 2010, this number had dropped to 83%. According to the 2020 Mexican government census, 78% of Mexicans identified as Catholic, while 8.1% reported having no religion at all.
The decline in the percentage of Mexican Catholics is due to the growth of other Christian denominations, especially various Protestant churches, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Mormonism. In 1990, Protestants made up more than 11% of the population in only four states, but by 2020, this number had grown to 15 states. The states with the largest Protestant populations include Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Veracruz.
While the decline in Catholicism is a trend seen across Latin America, it is less pronounced in Mexico compared to its Central American neighbors. In Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Honduras, half of adults or fewer identify as Catholic, while in Mexico, about 78% of the population remains Catholic. However, it is worth noting that within Mexico, the distribution of religious groups varies. Catholicism is most dominant in towns with 1,000 to 99,000 inhabitants, while Protestantism is more common in localities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants, and Judaism is prevalent in cities with 100,000 or more residents.
The religious landscape of Mexico is diverse and evolving. While Catholicism remains the largest religious group, the country has allowed freedom of religion since the mid-19th century, and various religious groups have established themselves during this time. Mexico remains a highly religious country, with Christian congregations predominating in rural areas and a growing presence of non-religious groups in larger cities.
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Central Mexico remains one of the most Catholic areas in the world
Mexico is a secular country with freedom of religion, but it is also one of the most Catholic countries in the world. The Catholic Church in Mexico is the oldest established church, dating back to the early 16th century. At independence, Catholicism was the only permissible religion in the country, but in the mid-19th century, Mexican liberals curtailed its exclusive standing, allowing Protestant missionaries to legally evangelize in Mexico.
Despite the rise of other religions in Mexico, Catholicism remains a dominant force, especially in central Mexico. In the 2020 census, approximately 78% of the population identified as Catholic, a slight decrease from 83% in 2010. The decline in Catholicism is less pronounced in Mexico than in other Central American countries, where the share of adult Catholics has dropped at more than double the rate found in Mexico.
Central Mexico, in particular, remains a stronghold of Catholicism, with the religion deeply ingrained in the region's cultural and physical landscape. Towns with 1,000 to 99,000 inhabitants are predominantly Catholic, and even in larger cities, Catholics and non-religious groups are well represented. The Virgin Mary, in the form of the Lady of Guadalupe, is a particularly strong symbol of Catholic faith in the country.
However, it is important to note that the practice of Catholicism in Mexico often blends with native and indigenous traditions. For example, in the Yucatán Peninsula, some Mayan people practice traditional beliefs syncretized with Christianity. Additionally, about 45% of Mexican Catholics report engagement with traditionally indigenous religious beliefs and practices, such as believing in the "evil eye" or making offerings to spirits.
While urban Catholics tend to be more secularized, and there is a growing presence of other religions, especially in southern states like Chiapas and Tabasco, central Mexico's strong Catholic identity persists. This is evident in the numerous roadside shrines, spectacular cathedrals, and traditional Catholic processions that are part of the region's cultural fabric.
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Mexican Catholics' views on homosexuality differ from the Catholic Church's
Catholicism is the predominant religion in Mexico, with approximately 78% of the population identifying as Roman Catholic according to the 2020 Mexican government census. However, the percentage of Mexicans who are Catholic has been declining in recent decades, down from 82.7% in 2000 and 96% in 1970.
While the Catholic Church's official stance on homosexuality is complex and often contentious, it maintains that "homosexual acts" are "intrinsically immoral and contrary to natural law." The Church calls on gay people to practice "chastity" and does not recognize or perform sacramental marriages between same-sex couples. However, the Catechism of the Catholic Church also emphasizes that all same-sex individuals must "be accepted and treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity," and that all forms of unjust discrimination should be avoided.
The views of Mexican Catholics on homosexuality may differ from the official teachings of the Catholic Church. Mexico has a long history of tension between the Church and the LGBTQ+ community, with events such as "El baile de los cuarenta y uno" in 1901 representing a turning point in the country's attitude toward homosexuality. Despite the strong presence of the Catholic Church in Mexico, the country has made strides toward LGBTQ+ equality, with the founding of the Frente de Liberación Homosexual (FLH) in 1971 as the first LGBT rights organization.
Mexican Catholics may be influenced by the broader social and cultural trends in the country, which have shifted toward greater acceptance of homosexuality in recent years. While there are still conservative Catholic and non-Catholic factions opposing homosexuality and same-sex marriage, there is also a growing movement toward marriage equality. In 2016, for example, the National Front for the Family staged rallies and marches in 122 cities across Mexico, expressing concern over the possibility of same-sex couples adopting children.
The views of Mexican Catholics on homosexuality may vary, with some individuals and parishes welcoming LGBTQ+ members within the limits of Church policy, while others deny membership to LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Overall, the relationship between Mexican Catholics and the LGBTQ+ community is complex and evolving, influenced by both religious teachings and shifting social attitudes in Mexico.
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Mexico is a secular country with freedom of religion
Mexico is a secular country, meaning it is neutral in matters of religion and treats everyone equally regardless of their religious beliefs. The Mexican Constitution of 1917 imposed limitations on the Catholic Church and sometimes codified state intrusion into religious matters. In 1940, about 70% of Mexican Catholics attended church weekly, but by 1982, only 54% attended Mass at least once a week, and 21% claimed monthly attendance. Recent surveys show that only around 3% of Catholics attend church daily, while 47% attend church services weekly.
The country has allowed freedom of religion since the mid-19th century. In 1855, the Ley Juárez abolished special clerical and military privileges and declared all citizens equal before the law. Two years later, the Liberal Constitution of 1857 granted basic civil liberties for all Mexicans, including freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, secularised education, and suppression of church power.
In 1992, the constitution was amended, lifting almost all restrictions on religions, including granting all religious groups legal status, conceding them limited property, and lifting restrictions on the number of priests in the country. The federal government coordinates religious affairs through the Secretariat of the Interior (SEGOB). Within SEGOB, the General Directorate of Religious Associations (DGAR) is mandated to promote religious tolerance, conduct conflict mediation, and investigate cases of religious intolerance.
According to the 2020 Mexican government census, approximately 78% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic, 10% as Protestant or evangelical Protestant, and 1.5% as other religious groups, including Jehovah's Witnesses, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Judaism, and Islam. More than 2.5% of the population reported practicing a religion not otherwise specified, and 8.1% reported not practicing any religion.
In addition to Catholics and Protestants, there are also small numbers of followers of Luz del Mundo, the Old Catholic Church, the Church of Scientology, Anglicans, Lutherans, Methodists, Baha'is, and Buddhists. The Baha'i Faith webpage estimates there are 12,000 Baha'is in the country, with many living in over 200 small communities nationwide. There are also around 8,000 Sikhs in Mexico, most of whom are of Punjabi origin.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the 2020 Mexican government census, approximately 78% of Mexicans identify as Catholic.
The percentage of Mexicans who identify as Catholic has been declining in recent decades. In 2000, 82.7% of Mexicans were Catholic, and in 1970, 96% were Catholic.
The decline in the percentage of Mexicans who identify as Catholic is due to the growth of other Christian denominations, such as various Protestant churches, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Mormonism. Additionally, many Mexicans lead secular lives, and there has been a rise in religious unaffiliation.
