Colombia remains one of the countries with the greatest weight of Catholicism in the world. A recent statistical report from the Vatican places the country seventh globally by number of faithful, with more than 34 million people identifying with this religion.
The figure confirms the persistence of a historical tradition that continues to shape the country’s cultural and social life, despite the strong and decades-long expansion of a multitude of evangelical denominations that gain ground year after year among the faithful.
Nevertheless, the data released in recent reports on the Catholic Church—the Annuario Pontificio 2025 and the Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae 2023—once again places Colombia among the nations that concentrate the largest number of believers worldwide.
Although the number of practitioners has varied compared to previous measurements based on baptisms, the country continues to be a regional benchmark in terms of religious affiliation.
Colombia ranks as the world’s seventh-most Catholic country
The Vatican report is part of the periodic studies prepared by the Holy See based on parish records from around the world. These documents, known as the Church’s statistical yearbooks, compile information on baptisms, number of faithful, demographic growth, and the institutional presence of Catholicism.
The measurement is not limited to active religious practice, but is based primarily on the number of people baptized within the Church. This explains why the figures may be high even in countries where regular attendance at religious services has declined or where there is growing diversity of beliefs.
Globally, Catholicism remains one of the most widespread religious denominations, with more than 1.4 billion faithful worldwide and a strong concentration in Latin America, a region that accounts for nearly half of the world’s Catholics.
Colombia’s seventh place in this ranking reflects both its population size and the historical roots of the Church since the colonial era. According to the most recent data, more than three-quarters of Colombians identify as Catholic, keeping the country among the most representative of this faith in Latin America.
The Catholic tradition in Colombia dates back to the colonial period. Catholicism was introduced by the Spanish in 1508, and the first diocese was established in 1534. After Colombia’s independence in the early 19th century, Catholicism maintained its predominance to the present day.
Although other religious denominations have grown in recent decades, especially evangelical Christian churches, the Roman faith remains the main spiritual reference for millions of people. This presence is particularly visible in massive celebrations such as Holy Week, where public participation continues to be significant.
Catholicism in the world: Latin America as its stronghold
The global list is led by Brazil, which ranks first with the largest Catholic population on the planet: 126.8 million—54% of its population, equivalent to 13% of the world total. It is followed by Mexico—with more than 98 million faithful—and the Philippines—with nearly 76 million—two countries where the Church maintains strong social and cultural influence.
In fourth place is the United States—with approximately 51 million Catholics—followed by Italy—50 million—and France in sixth place, with 40 million faithful. Colombia ranks seventh, ahead of Poland, Spain, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Together, these nations account for more than half of the world’s Catholics, highlighting the geographic weight of the religion in certain regions.
One of the most relevant aspects of the study is the confirmation of Latin America’s role as the epicenter of Catholicism, with 47.8% of the world’s practitioners. Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia not only rank among the top positions but also maintain high levels of religious identification compared to other regions.
While Europe shows signs of stagnation or decline in religious practice, and Asia maintains a more limited presence, the Americas remain the continent with the highest proportion of Catholics. This phenomenon responds both to historical factors and to cultural dynamics that have consolidated the Church’s influence over centuries.
The Spread of Evangelical Christianity in Colombia
Despite its prominent position, Colombia is not immune to changes in the global religious landscape. The growth of other denominations, the rise of people without religious affiliation, and the transformation of spiritual practices pose new challenges for the Catholic Church.
According to recent estimates based on Latinobarómetro, evangelical Christians represent around 18% of Colombia’s population. In absolute terms, this amounts to between 9 and 10 million followers in a country of just over 50 million inhabitants, a figure consistent with regional reports that place Colombia among the countries with the largest number of evangelicals in Latin America.
Growth has been steady for decades. At the beginning of the 21st century, Protestants —a category that includes evangelicals and Pentecostals— barely exceeded 9% of the population. Today they have practically doubled that relative share. This increase is explained both by conversions from Catholicism and by the territorial expansion of independent churches.
Penetration is uneven. Regions such as the Caribbean and working-class urban areas show a greater evangelical presence, while in Bogotá their proportion remains lower. In addition, sociological studies indicate that these churches have gained influence among younger sectors and middle- and lower-income groups, with slightly higher participation by women.
The phenomenon is not only religious, but also social and political. Evangelical churches have expanded their organizational capacity and public visibility, becoming relevant actors in debates on values, education, and public policy. With millions of followers and sustained growth, evangelicalism is consolidating itself as the main competitor to Catholicism in Colombia.