Argentina

Capital: Buenos Aires

Major Language: Spanish

Area: 2.8 million km2

Population: 45.6 million

HDI Rank: 46 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 28.7 million (63%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 7 million (15.3%)

Other: 10 million (22%)

General Information:

Named after the Italian word for ‘silver colored,’ Argentina was thought to be rich in silver. However, it is rich in almost every mineral but silver. Europeans first arrived in 1502, and Argentina got its independence from Spain in 1816. As much as 95% of the population are of European descent, from Italy, Germany and mostly Spain. Argentina is one of South America's largest economies. Tango, the sensuous Latin dance and music originated in Argentina. The country is known for its beef steaks, wines and maté drink. Most popular sports are soccer and pato.

Religious Background:

The Spanish Conquistadors (conquerors) brought Catholicism with them in their efforts to colonize Argentina. In a number of very public, visible ways, the nation appears to be an especially devout country. While remaining predominantly Catholic, Argentina has smaller populations of Protestants. Known to much of the outside world for its widespread Catholicism, in daily practice, the country is quite secular, and the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. More and more Argentines are increasingly identifying as non-religious, atheist, or agnostic.

Catholic background:

On 1st April, 1519, the first Catholic priests arrived on board Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition to Argentina. Over the next 400 years, Catholicism grew slowly and steadily. However, in 1955, the government burned churches after an attempt by the people to overthrow the government after Mass. Though Catholics form the majority, just less than 20% practice their faith regularly. Pope Francis, from Argentina, became the world's first Latin American pope. The Church is composed of 14 archdioceses, 48 dioceses and 2,642 parishes. Patron saint: Virgin of Lujan.

Prayer Points

1. Argentines to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Catholics to know Christ

Pray for the salvation of 28.7 million Catholics in Argentina.
Catholicism is mostly nominal. Marian devotion is very prominent. Pray that they would embrace the gospel and trust Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Ask the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of these people towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the gospel.
Pray that Catholics will submit to the authority of Scripture alone and not follow the traditions and teachings of men.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 2,642 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 5,648 priests, 3,385 brothers and 9,070 sisters.
Ask God that as thousands of Catholic-background believers have come to know Christ, they will also be effectively discipled.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Evangelical Christians grew fourfold, from less than a million in 1980 to over 4 million by 2020. Pray for godly leadership and unity. Pray that evangelicals will continue to touch the nation with their persistent prayer and evangelism. Ask God to give the believers opportunities to share the love of Christ with their own people.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Many are deceived by cults, the occult, and non-Christian religions. A large segment is given to agnosticism and hedonism. Addiction to drugs and alcohol is widespread. Pray that they would be set free from every deception and addiction.

5. Other Religions

Argentina is home to the largest Muslim and Jewish communities in Latin America. There is a small population of Buddhists and Hindus too. About 10% are unaffiliated. Pray that doors will be opened to preach the gospel to these groups.