From The Rio Times · Contributing Reporter · · 3m
Chile Religion Explained
Chile's Catholic majority shrinks as evangelicals grow and a quarter have no faith.
In brief
Chile's Catholic majority shrinks as evangelicals grow and a quarter have no faith. Chile's 2024 census shows 54.0% Catholics, 16.3% evangelicals, and 25.8% with no religion. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Chile Religion Key Facts
Chile counted 18,480,432 people in its 2024 census. Of those aged 15 or over, 74.2% said they have a religion, down from 91.7% in 2002.
Catholic Share Declines
Catholics make up 54.0% of adults, or 8,168,978 people, in 2024, down from 70.1% in 2002.
Evangelical Growth
Evangelicals account for 16.3% of adults, or 2,466,607 people, in 2024, up from 15.2% in 2002.
No Religion Tripled
No religion affects 25.8% of adults, or 3,903,308 people, in 2024, up from 8.3% in 2002.
Church and State Separation
Chile has no state religion. Freedom of worship is guaranteed, and religion and the state are officially separate as of 2023.
Power Index
Chile ranks 3rd of 14 in The Rio Times Latin America Power Index with 63.6 points (October 2026 edition).
Catholic Church in 2026
The Catholic Church has 8,168,978 adults in the 2024 census, down from 70.1% in 2002.
Cardinal Chomali
Cardinal Fernando Chomali, the Archbishop of Santiago, was named archbishop in October 2023 and elevated to cardinal in October 2024.
Chomali's Sermon
Chomali called corruption 'the evil of all evils' and described poverty and unemployment as an ethical urgency.
“the evil of all evils”
Church Scandals
Scandals over sexual abuse damaged the church's authority, with 568 victims identified between 1960 and 2023.
Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV had lung surgery in Rome on 13 October 2026 and left hospital on 17 October.
Evangelical Growth
Evangelical and Protestant churches are the second-largest group with 16.3% of adults, or 2,466,607 people, in 2024.
Evangelical Cathedral
The Evangelical Cathedral in Estación Central, Santiago, hosts the yearly evangelical Te Deum.
Bishop Cancino
Bishop Héctor Cancino spoke of public distrust in authorities and said rebuilding hope is possible.
National Day of Evangelicals
Chile marks 31 October as the National Day of Evangelical and Protestant Churches under Law 20,299.
Other Faiths
Jehovah's Witnesses lead with 121,805 adults, followed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with 94,266.
Baháʼí Temple
The Baháʼí House of Worship for South America in Peñalolén has nine wings of translucent marble from Portugal.
Indigenous Beliefs
Indigenous Chileans follow a mix of faiths, with many identifying as evangelical Protestant or Catholic.
Church and State Law
Chile has no state religion, with freedom of worship guaranteed and religion and the state officially separate.
Religious Holidays
Chile observes eight religious holidays in 2026, including Good Friday on 3 April and the Immaculate Conception on 8 December.
What to remember
Chile's 2024 census shows 54.0% Catholics, 16.3% evangelicals, and 25.8% with no religion.
