The Pillar Podcast Ep. 224: No silver bullet, and Pope Leo’s first 100 days
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Aug 16, 2025 Edgar Beltrán, Rome correspondent for The Pillar and expert on Vatican affairs, sheds light on the troubling decline of Catholic identity in the U.S. He discusses the growing influence of Protestantism in Latin America and the vital role of community in faith retention. Edgar also shares insights into Pope Leo's first 100 days, his calm and measured governance, and expectations for upcoming curial appointments. The conversation beautifully ties Catholic cultural practices to modern evangelization efforts, highlighting the dynamic challenges faced by the Church today.
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Decline In Catholic Identification Is Complex
- U.S. data show a steep decline in Catholic identity and weekly Mass attendance since the 1970s.
- The headline numbers mask variation depending on what 'raised Catholic' actually meant in families.
Venezuela Saw Big Evangelical Growth
- Edgar says Venezuela experienced both secularization and a surge in evangelical conversions in recent decades.
- He estimates evangelicals grew from about 5% to roughly 25% of the population over thirty years.
Evangelicals Reach Where Church Was Absent
- Evangelical churches often expand into places the Catholic Church rarely served consistently.
- That reach, not just doctrinal attraction, explains much of Protestant growth in Latin America.