What religious group spread Christianity to South America?

Christianity was primarily spread to South America by Spanish and Portuguese missionaries during the colonial period, particularly through the efforts of the Catholic Church. Notable religious orders, such as the Jesuits, Franciscans, and Dominicans, played significant roles in evangelizing Indigenous populations. Their missions aimed to convert local peoples and establish Christian communities across the continent. This process significantly influenced South American culture and society, leading to a predominantly Catholic region today.