Brazil Has the World's Largest Catholic Population: ~123 Million (2010)

A Catholic Giant by the Numbers

According to the Pew Research Center (2010), Brazil has the largest absolute number of Catholics of any country:

• ~123 million Catholics
• ~65% of Brazil's population

Context

• Mexico (#2) ~96M; Philippines (#3) ~86M; USA (#4) ~72M; Italy (#5) ~50M.
• Brazil's Catholic share has declined from ~92% (1970) due to secularization and Protestant (especially Pentecostal) growth.
• Church remains culturally dominant: festivals (Círio de Nazaré), holidays, architecture, education, social services.

Significance

The Church's influence shapes Brazilian politics (e.g., liberation theology, abortion debates), social policy, and national identity. Pope Francis (first Latin American pope) has deep ties to the Brazilian Church.

While percentages shift, Brazil's sheer Catholic headcount remains unmatched globally.