Story perspectives

Latin America's Faith Declines Amid Growing Secular Spirituality

11/24/2025

Summary

Story summary

Pew Research Center reports that Latin America's religious affiliation declined from 2010 to 2020, with Chile down 17 and Uruguay down 16 percentage points.
Despite the decline, many still believe in God or the afterlife.
Spirituality evolves outside traditional institutions.
Uruguay exemplifies "enchanted secularization," where personal faith thrives amid a secular culture.
Young people increasingly reject outdated church teachings, influenced by scandals and authoritarian leadership.

1 of 1

Story summary

Pew Research Center reports that Latin America's religious affiliation declined from 2010 to 2020, with Chile down 17 and Uruguay down 16 percentage points.
Despite the decline, many still believe in God or the afterlife.
Spirituality evolves outside traditional institutions.
Uruguay exemplifies "enchanted secularization," where personal faith thrives amid a secular culture.
Young people increasingly reject outdated church teachings, influenced by scandals and authoritarian leadership.