Chile

Capital: Santiago

Major Language: Spanish

Area: 756,096 km2

Population: 19.3 million

HDI Rank: 43 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 12.5 million (65%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 3.5 million (18%)

Other: 3.2 million (17%)

General Information:

Spain conquered and colonized the region in the mid-16th century. Chile declared independence from Spain in 1818. In 1973 began the 17-year dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. The regime ended in 1990 and democracy was restored. Chile is a well-developed country, and 95% of Chileans have a mixture of native and European roots. Chile is the longest country in South America and the Andes Mountain Range provides a stunning backdrop. It has the largest swimming pool, the oldest mummy, and is one of the largest producers of copper in the world. Most popular sport is soccer.

Religious Background:

Chile enjoys freedom of religion. Historically, the indigenous peoples in Chile observed different religions before the Spanish conquest in the 16th century. Though Catholicism is the predominant religion, a large number have left the Catholic faith. Evangelical Christianity is fast growing. The non-religious are estimated to be around 25% of the population, and the role and influence of religion in the country is decreasing. Chileans, however, enjoy the numerous colorful religious festivities that attract hundreds of thousands of spectators.

Catholic background:

Catholicism was introduced by Dominican and Franciscan friars who accompanied the Spanish colonialists in the 16th century. The 20th century has witnessed a shortage of clergy and government restrictions. Catholicism was disestablished as the state church in 1925, however its influence is still strong and the majority of the population identify as Catholics. But only about 15% Catholics attend Mass regularly. The Church is composed of 5 archdioceses, 19 dioceses and 931 parishes. Patron saints: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, James Major.

Prayer Points

1. Chileans 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 12.5 million Catholics in Chile.
Marian devotion and a mix with ancient indigenous practices are found in Chile. Pray for their understanding and faith to be consistent with the Scriptures.
Pray that the Spirit of God will orchestrate concerted and united intercession to pray for Catholics to come to know Christ and be discipled.
Most Catholics know about Jesus but they do not know Him personally. Pray that they would know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 931 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 2,332 priests, 1,984 brothers and 5,086 sisters.
Pray for the seed of God’s word to grow and bear fruit among Catholics and that they may come to follow Jesus.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Evangelical Christianity has grown tremendously over the years. There is a culture of division within the church. Pray for unity through the Holy Spirit. Ask God for churches and mission organizations to be fruitful in their witness for Christ. Pray God may bring more laborers into the harvest field and the gospel to spread throughout the nation.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

The Chilean society is becoming increasingly liberal. Divorce, cohabitation, teenage pregnancy, crime, drug abuse, and materialism are on the rise. Pray for God to lead them out of evil, and for them to come to know Christ as their Savior.

5. Other Religions

There is a small minority of Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jews and Muslims. Agnostics and atheists are estimated at 25% of the population of Chile. Pray for God’s truth to be revealed to them and that they will be saved.