Question

explain the role of church in the development of latin american society​

Answer 1

The Catholic Church in Latin America began with the Spanish colonization of the Americas and continues through the independence movements of the Spanish-American colonies up to the present day.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, many liberal regimes struggled to control and reduce the power and influence of the Catholic Church through the promulgation of anti-clerical laws. In some countries, anti-clerical violence resulted in the destruction of church property and the killing of priests and other religious leaders.

In the later part of the 20th century, however, the rise of Liberation theology has challenged such close alliances between church and state, with support for social, political and economic change coming from grassroots Christian communities, members of religious institutes and radical priests. Some liberal Jesuits have had a significant influence in the development of liberation theology. However, the movement, which has been highly controversial in the Catholic theological community, has been condemned by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI. Pope Francis has embraced many elements of liberation theology, especially the dedication of the Church to the poor and marginalized. Compare with Europe and other Western nations, Catholic Church still have huge influence in Latin American societies.