Brazil, a nation historically synonymous with Catholicism, is experiencing a profound shift in its religious demographics. Data from the 2022 census, released by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, reveals a significant decline in the proportion of Brazilians identifying as Catholic. In 2022, this figure stood at 56.75%, an 8.4% reduction compared to 2010.

Despite this notable dip, Catholicism undeniably remains the country's dominant faith. However, its lead is being narrowed by the burgeoning presence of Evangelicalism, which now accounts for a substantial 26.9% of Brazil's over 203 million people, having seen a 5.2% growth since 2010. Equally striking is the rise of those with no religious affiliation, now making up 9.28% of the population, a 1.4% increase since 2010.

This trend of growing secularization, particularly the rise of the "dechurched" population, was a key topic of discussion for Brazil's bishops in January. Cardinal Jaime Spengler, Archbishop of Porto Alegre and president of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil, emphasized the urgent need for investment in "initiation into Christian life and the valorization of small communities of faith" to reignite Catholic growth in the nation.

Beyond the two major Christian denominations, other religions collectively constitute 4.01% of Brazil's population. Spiritists represent 1.84%, while followers of Afro-Brazilian religions like Umbanda and Candomblé have seen a notable increase, rising from 0.3% in 2010 to 1% in 2022.

Catholicism maintains its stronghold across all five regions, with the highest concentration in the Northeast (63.9%) and South (62.4%). The North region, however, exhibits the lowest proportion at 50.48%. Conversely, Evangelicalism finds its strongest foothold in the North (36.79%), followed by the Central-West (31.39%), while the Northeast records the fewest Evangelicals at 22.47%.

Umbanda and Candomblé traditions are most prevalent in the South (1.6%) and Southeast (1.4%). The Southeast also leads in the proportion of individuals declaring no religious affiliation, with 10.5% of its population, followed by the Central-West (8.94%). Interestingly, spiritualism saw a slight decrease from 2.2% in 2010 to 1.8% in 2022, with its largest concentration in the Southeast (2.7%).

These census findings underscore the dynamic and increasingly diverse religious landscape of Brazil, prompting significant reflection and strategic adjustments within its various faith communities.