Impact of Catholicism on Argentina

The most widespread religion in Argentina is Catholicism. 92% of the

population in Argentina identifies as Roman Catholic. Catholicism first

reached Argentina when the Spaniards invaded in 1536. Pedro de Mendoza

brought Spanish influences into Argentina, the most important being

Catholicism. When the Spaniards invaded they had three motives for

conquering other countries: God, gold, and glory. Spain was predominantly

Catholic and as a result Catholicism was projected onto the people of

Argentina. As Argentina went through periods of political turmoil, religion

was used as a way to cope with all the distress. From there, Catholicism took

off and has since become the overwhelming majority religion.

Overall Argentinians are not too stringent on Catholicism and the associated

practices. From the start of the spread of Catholicism, Argentinians have been fairly

relaxed and lackadaisical on the enforcement of religious practices. As established

before, Argentinians used Catholicism as a way to find peace of mind throughout

their early political turmoil. After that, Catholicism did not play as much of a role in

the development of the country. The main areas where Catholicism can be noticed

is in certain cultural customs. One of these customs is how people greet each other.

When Argentinians meet, they always greet each other with a kiss signifying the

unity, love, and respect they have for one another. One of the main teachings of

Catholicism is showing love and respect to everyone, but especially your enemies.

This simple gesture of a kiss on the cheek is a sign of respect and welcoming.

Furthermore, another significant cultural custom has to do with death and people
who pass away. Argentinians believe in burying their loved ones immediately after

their death and do not have foods or elaborate services. Instead, they take death

very seriously since Catholicism teaches about heaven being the life after death.

Argentinians believe that death is not something that should be used as an excuse

to have a party since death signifies the person going to heaven and being with

God.

As far as religious sacred spots for Catholicism in Argentina, there really isnt

one specific church or cathedral. Probably the most popular cathedral, however, is

the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Buenos Aires. Since Buenos Aires is the capital

of Argentina, this cathedral attracts many people and captivates tourists due to its

elegant architecture and art. Moreover, other cathedrals and churches are spread

out all over Argentina. The main difference between churches and cathedrals is

that cathedrals tend to be more ornate and elaborate. As a result, cathedrals

usually are more noteworthy and seen as more appealing places of worship.

In the past, there have not been many issues related to the impact religion

has on government in Argentina. More recently there have been some skirmishes

and trepidations in terms of how government policies on the legalization of gay

marriage reflect Catholic ideals. Many traditional Catholics do not believe gay

marriage represents the ideas of Catholicism and are thus opposed to it. Regardless

of this particular religious idea, Argentina did end up passing a law legalizing gay

marriage. Another minor period of trepidation came when the current pope, Pope

Francis XIII, was elected. Pope Francis is an Argentinian native and people were

unsure how his election would impact politics in Argentina. But, overall, Argentina

has maintained a good separation of church and state.

 Throughout the history of Argentina, Catholicism has continued to spread and

grow. While Argentinians are not overly stringent on the enforcement of

Catholicism, Catholicism still does impact the culture and society of Argentina.

Argentina has maintained an equitable balance in terms of how religion impacts

their culture, politics, and social life.

 References

Argentina. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2017, from http://www.everyculture.com/A-

Bo/Argentina.html

Catholicism in Argentina. (2013, March 15). Retrieved February 27, 2017, from

http://www.economist.com/blogs/americasview/2013/03/catholicism-

argentina

Nelson, G. (2013, March 27). Separation of Church and State: The Papacys Role in

Argentine Politics . Retrieved February 27, 2017, from

http://www.argentinaindependent.com/currentaffairs/separation-of-church-

and-state-the-papacys-role-in-argentine-politics/

The most beautiful Roman Catholic cathedrals in Argentina. (n.d.). Retrieved

February 27, 2017, from http://www.argentinawanderer.com/the-most-

beautiful-roman-catholic-cathedrals-in-argentina/