More than half of those who leave Roman Catholicism in the region turn to evangelical churches, finds a survey.

Luis Enrique Camarena received the recognition from the government for “being a bridge between the state and the church to foster constructive dialogues that resolve conflicts”.

According to a major survey, evangelicals are 37% of the population, Roman Catholics, 33%. 29% said they are unaffiliated believers and 1% identify as non-believers.

Alejandro Giammattei, President of Guatemala: “This is a day to celebrate that we have a country that learns, teaches and does everything possible to respect life from conception to natural death".

The Guatemalan government celebrates a solemn act in the National Palace for the declaration of the country as Pro-Life Capital, with national and Latin American leaders.

The Law for the Protection of Life and the Family passed with 101 votes in favour, 51 abstentions and 8 against. Evangelicals presented 100,000 signatures requesting the approval.

Guatemalan Foreign Affairs Minister Mario Adolfo Búcaro talks about the country's declaration as the Latin American pro-life capital, and its policies in defence of the unborn.

On 9 March, the Guatemalan government will celebrate the first National Day of Life. The inauguration of the monument will be attended by the country’s President and other Latin American officials.

The Guatemalan President announced that the declaration will take place on 9 March 2022, with a message of respect for life from conception.

Around 4,000 left Honduras to find a better life in Mexico and the US. World Vision calls for “a joint action between churches, civil society, companies and authorities to provide humanitarian aid”.

Thousands of Guatemalan and Ecuadorian Christians marched to highlight faith in God as the solution to difficult situations of their countries.

At least 62 people have died and hundreds have been wounded. The Guatemalan Evangelical Alliance calls to “pray” and “bring supplies to collection points”.

Guatemala is the country with the highest percentage of evangelicals in Latin America. However, it has one of the highest rates of inequality, violence and corruption.

Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales, an evangelical Christian, faces a political crisis due to his conflict with anti-corruption authorities. Theologian Israel Ortiz says Christians should not just support him because of his faith.

The Evangelical Alliance estimates there are more than 40,000 churches in Guatemala, 96 evangelical churches for each Roman Catholic parish.

Today, aged 17, approaching his birthday and official adulthood, José is facing up to the prospect of having to leave the shelter and create a life for himself beyond the familiar walls.

Morales, a political neophyte and an evangelical Christian, promised to “ fight against the corruption that is consuming us.”

Novice Jimmy Morales leads Guatemala's presidential election, after a tumultuous campaign which saw the country's president jailed over a corruption scandal. 40% of the Guatemalan population is thought to be evangelical.