Why is Catholicism a major religion practiced in

Latin America?

(1) Spain conquered and colonized much of

Latin America.

(2) Disputes over international boundaries

within Latin America were settled by the

pope.

(3) The traditional beliefs of Africans were

incorporated into the cultures of Latin

America.

(4) The Church provided Latin America with a

strong central government.

The correct answer is Option 1: Spain conquered and colonized much of

Latin America.

When the Americas were discovered, the Spanish were one of the first to colonize parts of South America and extend their Empire across the Ocean.

In a matter of few years, they were able to conquer large parts of the land, kill thousands of local and steal gold and other precious items.

In all this, the justification for colonization was always presented as a way to spread the message of God to the ''uncivilized barbarians''

Hence, once they economically and politically conquered a land, numerous missionaries were brought in to spread the message of the church.

Over hundreds of years, Christianity became the dominant religion in Latin America and today accounts for the largest Christian population anywhere in the world.

There are several reasons why Catholicism a major religion practiced in

Latin America, but the best answer is that " (1) Spain conquered and colonized much of Latin America."