Spain's Post-War International Relations: UN Entry & Vatican Concordat

Spain's Gradual International Reintegration

In foreign policy, these agreements did not imply that the U.S. aimed for a standardized procedure. Thus, Spain's entry into the UN was not coincidental; it was dictated by the U.S. interest in bringing countries into its orbit, in the face of the USSR. Spain remained outside the Western integration processes (future EU and NATO).

Withdrawal of UN Sanctions

In November 1950, UN Resolution 46 withdrew diplomatic sanctions against Spain, influenced by South American and Arab countries.

Spain Joins International Organizations

Spain began to join UN agencies:

• First, the International Meteorological Organization.
• Then, the FAO (April 1951), WHO, and ITU (International Telecommunication Union, May 1951).
• UNESCO (November 1952).

This culminated in 1955 when Spain entered the UN. In May 1956, Spain entered the ILO, and in 1958, it became part of post-war supranational economic organizations: Eurostat, the IMF, and the World Bank.

The Concordat with the Holy See: The "Spiritual Reserve of the West"

Externally, relations with the Vatican were a primary focus for Spain. The Concordat was signed in 1953, reflecting Franco's national-Catholic ideology.

Negotiation and Signing

At Spain's request, Ruiz Jiménez initiated talks with the Vatican. In August 1953, Martín Artajo and Monsignor Tardini signed the agreement in Rome, establishing relations between both states.

Main Elements of the Concordat

• The Church recognized the Francoist State.
• Catholicism was recognized as the Spanish state religion.
• The Franco regime committed to financially supporting worship and clergy.
• Ecclesiastical courts were established: ecclesiastical members gained immunity from prosecution and a special status for congregations, including tax exemptions.
• The Church assumed powers over matrimonial causes: canonical marriage held civil value.
• Compulsory religious education was ensured.
• The appointment of bishops changed: the State selected three candidates, and the Church chose one.

Church's Influence in Public Life

The Church's presence in Spanish public life was remarkable: it not only influenced education but also exercised control over entertainment and media. The National Eucharistic Congress in Barcelona (May 1952) was a clear manifestation of the alignment between the regime and the ecclesiastical hierarchy.