History of Catholicism in the Americas

The history of Catholicism in the Americas begins with European exploration and colonization, starting in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Spanish and Portuguese explorers brought Catholic missionaries who established churches, schools, and institutions, shaping local cultures and societies. Catholicism became deeply ingrained, influencing politics, art, and community life across Latin America and parts of North America. Over centuries, it expanded through missions, conversions, and the building of a religious infrastructure, often blending indigenous traditions with Catholic practices, resulting in diverse expressions of the faith throughout the continent.