Latin ‍America

The Catholic Church in Latin America has around 500 million believers. More Catholics reside on this continent than on any other. However, social inequality, low income levels and corruption pose major challenges for both the population and the Church. Of particular concern to the local churches is an increasingly aggressive secularism that seeks to silence the voice of the Church in many countries, especially on issues regarding the protection of life and the family. ACN is aware of the challenging circumstances faced by the Church in Latin America and stands by its side in coping with its tasks.

In addition to the strong polarisation of society, increasing migration is one of the greatest challenges facing the Church. Many people from Venezuela, Haiti, Ecuador and Cuba, and now also from Nicaragua, are emigrating abroad, primarily due to the catastrophic economic conditions. The influx of migrants and the exodus of the rural population to urban centres are leading to rapid urban growth.

Many Latin American countries are trying to silence the voice of the Church through aggressive means.

Rafael d’Aqui, Head of Section for Latin America

Therefore, in many places, there is a growing demand for pastoral care to attend to the needs of the increasing number of believers. Spiritual care is of immense importance, as the Church is the last refuge of hope for many, especially for those who are poor and uprooted. But at the same time, there is ofen a shortage of resources to boost pastoral care.

Another problem for the Church: the lack of priests and the weaker presence of the Catholic Church have enabled evangelical groups and sects to increasingly spread in many areas of the continent. In order to comprehensively expand pastoral care for the faithful, ACN particularly promotes vocational pastoral work and the training of priests, religious and catechists. Promoting Catholic media and expanding the digital proclamation of faith are also among our important concerns.