Why did Roman Catholicism become widespread in Latin America?

Roman Catholicism became widespread in Latin America primarily due to the colonialism of Spain and Portugal during the 15th and 16th centuries. As these powers explored and conquered the region, they viewed the conversion of Indigenous peoples as a fundamental royal duty.12

The spread of the faith was facilitated by religious orders such as the Franciscans, Dominicans, Augustinians, and Jesuits, who accompanied expeditions to the New World. These missions often served as instruments of cultural imposition, requiring the adoption of European languages, dress, and lifestyles. In some instances, however, missionaries acted as advocates for Indigenous populations, opposing the mistreatment and enslavement practiced by other colonizers.12

The religious legacy of this period persisted long after Latin American nations gained independence. While the church has faced challenges—including periods of government hostility, the rise of secularism, and the growth of Protestantism—it remains a dominant cultural and religious force in the region.23