What do Venezuelans believe in
The majority of Venezuelans are religious — just like parts of the country’s political history.
But as they prepare for the upcoming presidential election, it’s hard to say exactly how religious Venezuelans are and what specifically they believe. The government has not released official figures in more than a decade. Most estimates provided by researchers and academics are reached through projections and field work.
Though religion has not played a key role during the presidential race, it is notable that voters will have a chance to cast their ballot on Sunday for Javier Bertucci, an evangelical pastor and the clear underdog. Or they can reelect President Nicolás Maduro, the most likely winner, for a third six-year term.
Here is a look at the religious landscape in the South American country.
The constitution guarantees freedom of religion and dictates that everyone has the right to express their beliefs on the condition that its practice does not violate public morality, decency or public order.
Religious groups say they generally enjoy freedom of religion or belief so long as they refrain from criticizing Maduro-aligned figures or policies. Representatives of Venezuela’s conference of Catholic bishops and the Evangelical Council of Venezuela contend that Maduro supporters continue to verbally harass clergy and other members of their religious communities for calling attention to the country’s humanitarian crisis and other criticisms of Maduro.
All agree: Venezuelans are mostly Catholic.
The U.S. State Department’s 2023 report on religious freedom cites official estimates that 96% of the Venezuelan population is Catholic, but says that may not reflect recent growth of evangelicals and people who are religiously unaffiliated.
Locally, one of the most recent demographic assessments was led by the Andrés Bello Catholic University in 2016.
