The Evolution of Church and State in Francoist Spain

Francoist Spain: Church and State Relations

The Postwar Period and National Catholicism

During the Franco era, there were three distinct periods. The postwar period saw political groups that supported the military uprising compose a broad ideological spectrum, though always within the limits of the political right. All repudiated the Republic, which entailed an increase in the practice of religion. Catholic lay organizations appeared and grew, including youth movements and the rise of Opus Dei.

Catholics who did not belong to a specific movement were usually assigned to one of two major organizations with religious and political influence: the National Catholic Association of Propagandists and Opus Dei.

• National Catholic Association of Propagandists: Founded in 1909 to spread Catholic thought and combat anti-clericalism. Its press organ was El Debate, and a primary goal was the defense of Catholic teaching and the inclusion of catechism in schools.
• Opus Dei: Created in Madrid in 1928, its goal was the personal sanctification of its members, who were encouraged to apply Christian values in their workplaces.

In Franco's Spain, Opus Dei acquired special importance due to the large number of members and the high qualifications of many, who were called technocrats for their work within the system, which was oriented toward technical efficiency and policy objectives. The influence of the clergy, secular campaigners, and Opus Dei, along with their increasing presence in the organs of power, defined the era of National-Catholic Spain.

The Concordat and Religious Reform (1953–1975)

The second period was defined by the Concordat with the Holy See (1953–1965), in which the state made enormous economic, judicial, and educational concessions to the Church in exchange for its support of the regime. During this time, Christian groups also emerged seeking an authentic experience of faith.

In 1967, the Religious Freedom Act was passed, which recognized equal rights for various religious denominations, though its effect was minimal given that the vast majority of the Spanish population was Catholic. The Church underwent a renovation following the Second Vatican Council (1965–1975), which proposed changing political and social approaches, particularly among new generations of clergy and the Catholic population.

Part of the Spanish church hierarchy began distancing itself from the regime, leading to complaints from the Church against social injustice and a rift between church and state as a result of the Council's teachings.

The Democratic Transition

The democratic stage began in 1975 under King Juan Carlos I, following the Spanish people's vote in a referendum on democracy. The Church adapted to the pluralistic system, establishing the right to freedom of ideology, religion, and worship.