The Guarani population is still active and thriving in Paraguay and Southern Brazil, speaking their indigenous language, a symbol of the pride with which the Guarani view their heritage. Jesuit missionaries from Spain fought hard to protect the Guarani from the ravages of the slave trade. Often the attacks by the slavers occurred on Sundays, when everyone was gathered for Mass.

After enduring the loss of thousands of their people, Father Antonio Ruiz de Montoya obtained protection for the Guarani from Pope Urban VIII and Philip IV of Spain. Ruins of the missions remain, where thousands of Guarani people lived in community with the protection of the Jesuits.