Religion in Argentina

Today, we'll be discussing the topic of religion in Argentina.

Religion in Argentina traces its roots back to the 17th century when Jesuit missionaries from Spain introduced Roman Catholicism to the region. Throughout much of the country's history, Catholicism has wielded significant influence, with the Catholic Church playing a prominent role in both social and political spheres. Despite the cultural pervasiveness of Catholicism, Argentina's constitution protects freedom of religious choice, leading to a diverse religious landscape that includes Protestantism, Judaism, and various other faiths. The rise of Protestantism, particularly among lower-income groups, and the increasing number of individuals unaffiliated with organized religion illustrate the evolving religious dynamics within the country. Regional variations further contribute to the diverse religious tapestry, with Buenos Aires being more secularized compared to provinces like Jujuy, Salta, and Tucumán, where a stronger sense of religious devotion is observed, exemplified by significant events like the feast of 'Señor y Virgen del Milagro' in Salta.

Approximately 92% of Argentina's population is identified as Catholic, according to the CIA Factbook, yet less than 20% actively practice their faith. Roman Catholicism deeply permeates Argentine society, culture, and politics, with the Church playing a crucial role in the national identity that transcends ideological differences. Its influence dates back to Spanish colonial rule from the 16th to the early 19th centuries. While Roman Catholicism isn't the official state religion, Catholic representatives participate in various state functions, sparking contemporary debates on issues like contraception, economic policies, and the Church's alleged role in the Dirty War.

Catholic practices in Argentina, particularly in indigenous areas, exhibit syncretism, blending Catholic icons with ancient Andean indigenous ceremonies during religious festivals. Notably, Pachamama worship coexists with Catholic beliefs, often without opposition from Catholic bishops.

The hierarchical structure of the Catholic Church in Argentina is organized into dioceses and archdioceses, with Buenos Aires as an archdiocese due to its size and historical significance. The Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, serving as the archbishop's seat, houses the mausoleum containing the remains of General José de San Martín.

Argentina hosts nine Catholic universities, including the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina and the Universidad del Salvador. Additionally, religious orders operate numerous primary and secondary schools across the country, with or without government funding.

Jorge Bergoglio, the Cardinal Archbishop of Buenos Aires, ascended to the papacy as Pope Francis on March 13, 2013, marking a significant moment for Argentina and the Catholic Church.

Since the 1980s, Protestant churches, particularly Evangelicals, have been gaining prominence in Argentina. In 2008, around 9% of the population identified as Protestant, with the majority (7.9%) being Pentecostal. Originally attracting mainly the lower class, Pentecostal churches have increasingly appealed to the urban middle class, leading to the development of a distinct Pentecostalism adapted to societal norms.

Aside from Pentecostals, Jehovah's Witnesses constituted 1.2% of the population, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints comprised 0.9%. Protestants, as a group, displayed a higher rate of regular attendance at services compared to other religious groups. A 2013 survey reported that 15% of the population identified as Protestant, with 9% being Pentecostal, 2% mainline, and 4% not specifying their Protestant denomination.

Other Christian denominations also play a role in Argentina's religious landscape. The Waldensian Church of the Río de La Plata, with roots dating back to 1856, has around 40 congregations and 15,000 members shared between Uruguay and Argentina. The Argentine Catholic Apostolic Church, a derivative movement from Brazil, was founded in the 1970s in Buenos Aires. The Anglican Church of the Southern Cone of America represents the Anglican Communion in Argentina.

Additionally, a 2015 study estimated approximately 2,200 Christian believers with a Muslim background in Argentina, most of whom belong to various Protestant denominations. Orthodox Christianity is represented by Antiochian, Constantinople, Russian, Serbian, Romanian, and Greek Orthodox Churches in the country.

As per the 2022 data from the World Christian Database, the religious composition in Argentina indicates that 88.77% of the population identifies as Christian, followed by 6.9% as agnostic, 2% as Muslim, 0.4% as Jewish, and 0.9% as atheist. No other religious category surpasses 0.3% in representation.