SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — José Antonio Kast has officially taken office as Chile's new president on March 11, 2026, joining a cadre of right-leaning leaders across Latin America. A conservative and practicing Catholic, Kast is a member of the Schoenstatt movement, which is noted for its devotion to the Virgin Mary. His staunchly conservative views have been evident throughout his political career, including his opposition to emergency contraceptive sales, same-sex marriage, and abortion, positions he emphasized during his presidential campaign in 2021.
On the election night, Kast stated, “We are inviting you on a journey to recover values for a proper and healthy life,” calling for a collective commitment to this vision. His election has raised concerns among advocates for abortion rights and LGBTQ+ rights, who fear that progress in these areas will be stifled during his administration, even if no immediate policy changes are enacted.
Kast won the presidency with 58% of the vote by promising to address crime and to deport undocumented immigrants, which resonates with broader conservative trends in the region. Similar leaders, such as El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele and Argentina’s Javier Milei, have ascended to power by prioritizing security and economic reforms. His positions also reflect those of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who welcomed his electoral victory.
The religious landscape in Chile has shifted significantly over the past two decades, with a notable decline in Catholic affiliation. According to a 2024 Latinobarómetro report, only 45% of Chileans now identify as Catholic, while 37% report having no religion, and around 12% identify as Protestant. Luis Bahamondes, a scholar from the University of Chile, pointed out that while the Catholic Church once stood as a highly trusted institution, issues such as sexual abuse scandals have deeply eroded this perception, making it one of the least trusted entities in the country.
Nevertheless, conservative values, including traditional concepts of family and marriage, remain deeply embedded in Chilean society. The Catholic Church’s influence persists albeit diminished, with many citizens advocating for a return to these values, as evidenced by Kast's beliefs. He and his wife are integral members of the Schoenstatt community, which promotes the notion that each individual has a unique purpose in life given by God.
Supporters of Kast, such as Jorge Herrera, express confidence in his leadership and align with his religious values. Herrera highlights that for Schoenstatt members, living out their mission involves actively engaging in the world to effect positive change. Kast’s political goals have resonated with many who believe Chile requires decisive leadership and a clear plan for the future.
Simultaneously, various concerns about the potential regression of rights are voiced by analysts. Kast’s past electoral attempts—especially his narrow defeat to Gabriel Boric in 2021—showed backlash against his views on sensitive topics such as abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. His current campaign focuses on security, but experts predict his stance may still influence reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights, albeit more gradually compared to other conservative leaders in the region.
Concerns are already surfacing regarding potential budget cuts that could impact reproductive health services for women. Catalina Calderón, a leader at the Women’s Equality Center, noted that right-leaning executives often initiate reductions in individual and women's rights soon after taking office. The appointments of openly religious figures to Chile's new Women and Health ministries heighten worries about how their beliefs might shape policy.
In summary, José Antonio Kast’s presidency marks a notable shift in Chile’s political landscape, reflecting a resurgence of conservative values amidst changing religious affiliations. As the nation grapples with issues of rights, security, and leadership, the implications of Kast's governance will be closely scrutinized, particularly concerning vulnerable communities.
