Spanish religious influence did not end, even though the majority of the clergy left for Spain along with the Spanish troops who abandoned Puerto Rican soil after the military defeat. There were priests, nuns and various congregations and orders that continued their missions in Puerto Rico. read more
Protestantism in Puerto Rico But anyway, that's not why you are here. You wish to know how politics influence religion in PR. I can tell you that some religious leaders get very fervently into politics, and even go so far as to tell their congregations that they must support specific politicians and to only vote for those. read more
Puerto Ricans do not generally differentiate between official Catholicism and their rituals and beliefs and give little credit to African and Latin American influence on their religion. In addition to the rich homage paid to saints, as is common throughout Latin America, parts of the island still host beliefs in the evil eye, saints' miracles, faith healing, and witchcraft. read more
Island-born men were excluded from the priesthood. When Puerto Ricans eventually took over the Catholic churches on the island, they followed some guidelines from Spain and Italy but modified or ignored others. Following the U.S. acquisition of the island in 1898, Protestantism grew in influence and popularity. read more