Pray for Argentina

Argentina comes from the word argentum, the Latin word for silver. It was this silver, along with claims to exploration, trade routes, and territories, that led Spanish explorers to southern South America in the 16th century. Though silver deposits were never found, Spain established Buenos Aires in 1580 under Juan de Garay. Warfare, forced labor, and disease wiped out the majority of the native population. Today, only about two percent of the population is indigenous and the majority of the population is of European descent — mostly Spanish and Italian. Argentinians enjoy Spanish and Italian-style buildings, empanadas and gnocchi, and speak Rioplatense Spanish, a mix of Spanish and Italian. They rank among the most educated populations in Latin America. Their country holds one of the highest concentrations of bookstores in the world and was the origin of key inventions like the ballpoint pen and coronary bypass.

Argentina gained independence from Spain in 1816, but internal wars, military rule, and currency crashes halted growth, leaving many Argentinians in poverty. Recurring inflation, debt crises, and recessions have reversed progress made in the early 2000s. Guaranteed pension payments take up the biggest share of public spending, leaving fewer resources for vulnerable women and children. Rising retirement costs reduced funding for public education, hospitals, and support services for disabled citizens. Impoverished communities are heavily exposed to the Paco epidemic, the spread of a cocaine-based drug. The government has attempted to stop the spread without success, shifting its focus instead toward surveillance and monitoring those who undermine the government’s trust. As freedom of expression is limited, journalists are met with hostility and protesters are met with force.

Both Spanish and Italian culture are rooted in Roman Catholicism, which created a predominantly Catholic population in Argentina. Protestants and other Christian traditions are well established, as is the largest Jewish community in South America. Despite a historically religious culture, most Argentines do not attend church regularly. The nation’s spiritual hunger draws many to Christ, but new religious movements and occult practices deceive many. Pray for those who hunger for the Gospel to be fed with biblical teaching and not be misled by false religion.