Introduction / History

After Spanish colonizers settled in Colombia, disease killed off a high percentage of the indigenous population. War and slave-like working conditions ended the lives of many of their young men. Spanish men were usually single; they often married indigenous women. Their children were what we call mestizos. Though ethnically part European and part Amerindian, culturally they could be either or both. For that and other reasons, mestizos are hard to define. One cannot generalize about their worldview.

In the past, Colombians have left their country either for better job opportunities or because of political instability. This was especially true in the 1980s and 1990s when political violence was raging in Colombia. A 2025 poll indicated that half of Colombia s population would leave if the opportunity arose! Yet they have a small diaspora.

Mestizo Colombians are mainly in Colombia, but they also live in Mexico and the United States. Surprisingly, they also live in several European countries including Belgium, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Spain. In the late 2020s, there has been a shift of destinations for Colombian migrants. Not finding the U.S. welcome, they have shifted to Spain, the U.K., and other countries such as Italy.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Because of their small community, Colombians probably merge with other Spanish-speaking diasporas in Europe, especially those from Latin America

What Are Their Beliefs?

In Italy, they are mostly Roman Catholic, but the Charismatic movement is making inroads into the spiritual beliefs of many Colombians.

What Are Their Needs?

Like other Christianized or semi-Christianized people, mestizos need a fresh work of the Holy Spirit to bless their lives. They need the peace and joy that come from a close relationship with Jesus Christ.

Prayer Items

Pray for mestizo Colombians in Italy to accept and embrace the work of the Holy Spirit in their churches and homes.
Pray for the Lord to use them to win, equip, and disciple many from Latin America s least-reached ethnic groups.
Pray for the Lord to bring healing and love to their families and communities, showing the entire country what God can do with those who are submitted to Jesus Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Colombian, Mestizo in Italy.

References

https://www.europaexpress.news/the-best-cities-in-europe-to-migrate-from-colombia/
https://colombiaone.com/2025/05/29/colombia-emigration-shifts-spain-south-america/
https://karenechavez1.medium.com/colombian-immigration-in-the-uk-2de543b1a3c8