The political organization of Latin America was centralized and mirrored the absolutist rule of Spain. The highest officials were all appointed by the Spanish crown. However, large landowners often achieved significant levels of political and social independence from the crown. The Roman Catholic church became the only official and established church in the region and while some priests became closely identified with the situation of the indigenous poor and the slaves, the church also became one of the most important landowners in Latin America. Syncretism is the combination of different forms of beliefs and practice, the fusion of practices, cultural patterns and religion.
Syncretism is well present in Latin America.
Mayan and Aztec religious beliefs influenced Catholicism. In the Caribbean, Santer a is the result of fusion of Catholic and African religious beliefs and practices. Likewise, Voodoo is the fusion of Catholicism and African religions in Haiti. In a sense, Mestizos are also the result of syncretism. The Spanish, Portuguese and English spoken in the region also results from syncretism.