Because of the Reformation, and the subsequent prosecutions by the Jesuits that followed as the Roman Church tried to regain her lost territory, most Protestants escaped persecution in Europe and went to Africa or America to start a new life free from the influence of the Roman Church.
Ministry of DISinformation
Reformation -- I think that you are getting your -- time-lines mixed up ...
After Martin Luther it was pretty much all up for the Catholics
Pretty much in Holland as well ( a refuge for protestants )
Was it really the JESUITS that started the persecution ? AFTER the INQUISITION
Have you watched -- "The Mission"
Roman Catholic missionaries were in South and Central America pretty much at the same time as the early explorers.
Only in NORTH America -- a BRITISH PROTESTANT colony was there safety from the long arm of the Catholic Church