Puerto Rico

Capital: San Juan

Major Languages: Spanish, English

Area: 9,104 km2

Population: 2.8 million

HDI Rank: 40 of 189

Major Religion:

Catholic: 2 million (70%)

Other Religions:

Protestant: 0.7 million (25%)

Other: 0.2 million (5%)

General Information:

Puerto Rico was populated by Indigenous Amerindian Taino population. The island was claimed by the Spanish in 1493. After 400 years of colonial rule, the nation was ceded to the US., and Puerto Ricans were granted U.S. citizenship. The country’s culture is a blend of Amerindian Taino, Spanish and African influences. The nation suffered a great loss after the Irma and Marina hurricanes in 2017. Puerto Rico is home to the largest living reptile in the world – the “Leatherback sea turtle”. Cockfighting is a legal and favorite sport. Basketball is very popular.

Religious Background:

Puerto Rico’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion. The majority of Puerto Ricans identify as Catholic. Catholicism has had a significant influence over the government and society since colonial times. Protestantism is the second largest religious identity. African slaves introduced brujería (witchcraft practices). In the 19th century, European spiritualism became popular. It coexists with established religions. Cuban immigrants brought Santería, a blend of Yoruba and Catholic religions. Spiritualism and Santería have merged into Santerismo.

Catholic background:

The Catholic faith was brought by Spanish colonists and gradually became the dominant religion in Puerto Rico. The first dioceses in the New World was established in Puerto Rico in 1511. The Catholic religion prospered during the Spanish colonial era. Other religions, including Protestantism, throughout the region were suppressed during this era. The Church is composed of one archdiocese, 5 dioceses and 327 parishes. Patron saints: Our Lady of Providence, John the Baptist (San Juan).

Prayer Points

1. Puerto Ricans 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 2 million Catholics in Puerto Rico.
The practice of Catholicism blends native Taíno and African pagan traditions. Pray that they will find the truth in Christ alone and not in religious rites or tradition.
Pray against the powers of darkness that keep Catholics in spiritual blindness and hinder them from coming to Christ.
Pray that Catholics will check everything with the Scriptures like the Bereans, to verify the truthfulness of what they believe and practice.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 327 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 734 priests, 469 brothers and 1,158 sisters.
Pagan practices are linked with Catholicism. Pray that those involved in it will be set free as they invite Christ into their hearts and follow Him.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

Evangelical churches grew from 0.1% in 1900 to over 25% currently. There is a need for a proper discipleship to take place and leaders to be developed for future growth and expansion. Pray for effective training and equipping of churches. Ask the Holy Spirit to grant wisdom and favor to the mission agencies as they reach the unsaved for Christ.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Criminality is a major problem. Organized crime, deterioration of traditional values, drug addiction and the spread of AIDS, plague the nation. Pray for God’s transforming power over the lost and that they may come to know Jesus.

5. Other Religions

Religious communities include Jehovah’s Witness, Mormonism, Defenders of the Faith, Islam, Judaism, indigenous religions, and African-based religions. Pray that they would come to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.