View source for Spain

'''Spain''', officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a nation in [[Southern Europe]], spanning approximately 505,990 km² on the Iberian Peninsula, bordered by [[France]], [[Andorra]], [[Portugal]], and the Mediterranean Sea, with Atlantic coastlines.<ref name="CIA">{{Cite web |title=Spain |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/spain/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2025-05-01 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> With a population of about 47.8 million, its official language is [[Spanish]], and its economy relies on tourism, manufacturing, and services. The [[Catholic Church]], introduced in the 1st century, is the majority religion, with approximately 28.7 million Catholics (60% of the population), profoundly shaping cultural life through devotion to [[Our Lady of the Pillar]], [[Saint James the Great]], and [[Saint Teresa of Ávila]].<ref name="GCatholic">{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Spain |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/ES.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-04-15 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> Despite a secular constitution, the Church maintains significant influence in education, charity, and traditions, amid growing secularization.

{{Country
 | country_name = Spain
 | continent = Europe
 | region = Southern Europe
 | area_sq_km = 505990
 | population = 47800000
 | catholic_population = 28700000
 | catholic_percentage = 60
 | rank_among_religions = 1
 | official_languages = Spanish
 | capital_city = Madrid
 | date_catholicism_introduced = 1st century
 | catholicism_status = Majority religion, constitutionally secular
 | ecclesiastical_provinces_count = 14
 | dioceses_count = 70
 | patron_saints = Our Lady of the Pillar, Saint James the Great, Saint Teresa of Ávila
 | historic = No
}}

== Geography ==

Spain covers 505,990 km², including the mainland, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, and enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, featuring mountains, plains, and a varied climate from Mediterranean to Atlantic.<ref name="CIA"/> The capital, [[Madrid]], and cities like [[Barcelona]], [[Seville]], and [[Santiago de Compostela]] host vibrant Catholic communities, with pilgrimage routes to the [[Camino de Santiago]]. The Pyrenees and Mediterranean coast support Catholic festivals.

== History ==

Spain’s history spans Roman rule, Visigothic kingdoms, Muslim conquest (711–1492), Reconquista, global empire (15th–19th centuries), civil war (1936–1939), and modern democracy since 1975.<ref name="Encyclopedia">{{Cite web |title=Spain |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/places/spain-portugal-italy-greece-and-balkans/spanish-and-portuguese-political-geography/spain |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2025-03-01 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> Catholicism, introduced in the 1st century, became central during the Reconquista and Spanish Inquisition. The Church faced challenges during secular republican periods but regained prominence under Franco. Key Catholic milestones include the establishment of the [[Archdiocese of Toledo]] in the 4th century and the canonization of [[Saint Ignatius of Loyola]] in 1622.

== Demographics ==

Spain’s population of approximately 47.8 million is 85% ethnic Spanish, 10% other European, and 5% African, Latin American, or Asian.<ref name="CIA"/> About 28.7 million (60%) are Catholic, the dominant religion, followed by 27% non-religious, 3% Muslim, and 2% Protestant.<ref name="GCatholic"/><ref name="CIS">{{Cite web |title=Barómetro de Abril 2023 |url=https://www.cis.es/cis/export/sites/default/-Archivos/Marginales/3400_3419/3417/es3417mar.pdf |publisher=Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas |date=2023-04-30 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> Catholicism is strong in rural areas and [[Andalusia]], with secularism growing in [[Madrid]] and [[Barcelona]].

== Catholic church ==

The [[Catholic Church in Spain]] oversees 14 ecclesiastical provinces, 70 dioceses, and approximately 23,000 parishes, guided by the [[Spanish Episcopal Conference]].<ref name="GCatholic"/> Cardinal [[Juan José Omella]], Archbishop of Barcelona, leads major initiatives. The Church operates schools, hospitals, and charities, maintaining a significant presence despite declining attendance.

=== Structure ===

The Church’s 14 ecclesiastical provinces include:<ref name="GCatholic"/>
* [[Archdiocese of Barcelona]] (Barcelona, Catalonia): Suffragan dioceses: [[Diocese of Sant Feliu de Llobregat]], [[Diocese of Terrassa]].
* [[Archdiocese of Burgos]] (Burgos, Castile and León): Suffragan dioceses: [[Diocese of Bilbao]], [[Diocese of Osma-Soria]], [[Diocese of Palencia]], [[Diocese of Vitoria]].
* [[Archdiocese of Granada]] (Granada, Andalusia): Suffragan dioceses: [[Diocese of Almería]], [[Diocese of Cartagena]], [[Diocese of Guadix]], [[Diocese of Jaén]], [[Diocese of Málaga]].
* [[Archdiocese of Madrid]] (Madrid): Suffragan dioceses: [[Diocese of Alcalá de Henares]], [[Diocese of Getafe]].
* [[Archdiocese of Mérida-Badajoz]] (Badajoz, Extremadura): Suffragan dioceses: [[Diocese of Coria-Cáceres]], [[Diocese of Plasencia]].
* [[Archdiocese of Oviedo]] (Oviedo, Asturias): Suffragan dioceses: [[Diocese of León]], [[Diocese of Santander]], [[Diocese of Astorga]].
* [[Archdiocese of Pamplona and Tudela]] (Pamplona, Navarre): Suffragan dioceses: [[Diocese of Calahorra and La Calzada-Logroño]], [[Diocese of Jaca]], [[Diocese of San Sebastián]].
* [[Archdiocese of Santiago de Compostela]] (Santiago de Compostela, Galicia): Suffragan dioceses: [[Diocese of Lugo]], [[Diocese of Mondoñedo-Ferrol]], [[Diocese of Ourense]], [[Diocese of Tui-Vigo]].
* [[Archdiocese of Seville]] (Seville, Andalusia): Suffragan dioceses: [[Diocese of Cádiz and Ceuta]], [[Diocese of Córdoba]], [[Diocese of Huelva]], [[Diocese of Jerez de la Frontera]], [[Diocese of San Cristóbal de La Laguna]], [[Diocese of Canarias]].
* [[Archdiocese of Tarragona]] (Tarragona, Catalonia): Suffragan dioceses: [[Diocese of Girona]], [[Diocese of Lleida]], [[Diocese of Solsona]], [[Diocese of Tortosa]], [[Diocese of Urgell]], [[Diocese of Vic]].
* [[Archdiocese of Toledo]] (Toledo, Castile-La Mancha): Suffragan dioceses: [[Diocese of Albacete]], [[Diocese of Ciudad Real]], [[Diocese of Cuenca]], [[Diocese of Sigüenza-Guadalajara]].
* [[Archdiocese of Valencia]] (Valencia): Suffragan dioceses: [[Diocese of Ibiza]], [[Diocese of Mallorca]], [[Diocese of Menorca]], [[Diocese of Orihuela-Alicante]], [[Diocese of Segorbe-Castellón]].
* [[Archdiocese of Valladolid]] (Valladolid, Castile and León): Suffragan dioceses: [[Diocese of Ávila]], [[Diocese of Ciudad Rodrigo]], [[Diocese of Salamanca]], [[Diocese of Segovia]], [[Diocese of Zamora]].
* [[Archdiocese of Zaragoza]] (Zaragoza, Aragon): Suffragan dioceses: [[Diocese of Barbastro-Monzón]], [[Diocese of Huesca]], [[Diocese of Tarazona]], [[Diocese of Teruel and Albarracín]].
Additional jurisdictions include the [[Military Ordinariate of Spain]].

== Introduction of Catholicism ==

Catholicism was introduced in the 1st century during Roman Hispania, with early Christian communities in [[Tarragona]] and [[Córdoba]].<ref name="CatholicHierarchy">{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Spain |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/country/es.html |publisher=Catholic-Hierarchy.org |date=2025-02-01 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> The Church’s influence grew under the Visigoths and solidified during the Reconquista (8th–15th centuries).

== Key historical events ==

Significant Catholic events include the Christianization of Hispania (1st century), the Council of Toledo (589), the completion of the Reconquista (1492), the founding of the Jesuits by [[Saint Ignatius of Loyola]] (1540), the canonization of [[Saint Teresa of Ávila]] (1622), and [[Pope John Paul II]]’s visits (1982, 1989, 1993, 2003).<ref name="Teresa">{{Cite web |title=Saint Teresa of Ávila |url=https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_16220312_avila_en.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=1622-03-12 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref><ref name="PopeJohnPaul">{{Cite web |title=Pope John Paul II in Spain |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/1982-10/pope-john-paul-spain-visit.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=1982-10-31 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> The Church shaped Spain’s colonial empire and Francoist regime (1939–1975).

== Catholicism status ==

The [[Catholic Church]] in Spain is the majority religion, with 60% of the population identifying as Catholic, though the state is secular per the 1978 constitution.<ref name="CIA"/> The Church retains cultural influence, particularly in education and festivals, despite secular reforms like same-sex marriage (2005) and abortion liberalization (2010).

== Administrative subdivisions ==

Spain is divided into 17 first-level administrative subdivisions called [[Autonomous Communities of Spain]], plus two autonomous cities (Ceuta and Melilla).<ref name="CIA"/> Key communities include [[Andalusia]], [[Catalonia]], and [[Galicia]]. Dioceses often align with these regions, supporting Catholic activities.

== Cultural influence ==

=== Festivals and traditions ===

Spanish Catholics celebrate [[Saint James the Great]] on July 25 with pilgrimages to [[Santiago de Compostela]].<ref name="Cultures">{{Cite web |title=Spanish Catholic Traditions |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/spain |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2025-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> [[Our Lady of the Pillar]]’s feast on October 12 draws crowds to [[Zaragoza]]. Holy Week in [[Seville]], with its elaborate processions, is globally renowned.

=== Education and charity ===

The Church operates over 2,600 schools, including [[University of Deusto]], and supports charities like [[Caritas Spain]].<ref name="Caritas">{{Cite web |title=Caritas Spain |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/spain/ |publisher=Caritas Internationalis |date=2025-02-15 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> These efforts provide education and aid, focusing on migrants and the poor.

=== Art and architecture ===

Catholic heritage defines Spain’s culture, with the [[Sagrada Família]] in [[Barcelona]], begun in 1882, showcasing modernist architecture.<ref name="Wikipedia">{{Cite web |title=Sagrada Família |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagrada_Fam%C3%ADlia |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2025-04-20 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> Religious art, including works by El Greco, adorns cathedrals like [[Toledo Cathedral]].

== Notable Catholic sites ==

=== Pilgrimage sites ===

The [[Camino de Santiago]], ending at the [[Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela]], attracts millions annually.<ref name="Cultures"/> The [[Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar]] in [[Zaragoza]] is a major Marian shrine.

=== Historical churches ===

The [[Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela]], built in the 12th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.<ref name="Wikipedia"/> [[Toledo Cathedral]], completed in 1493, is a Gothic masterpiece.

== Saints and blesseds ==

=== Patron saints ===

[[Our Lady of the Pillar]], [[Saint James the Great]], and [[Saint Teresa of Ávila]], celebrated on October 12, July 25, and October 15, are Spain’s patrons.<ref name="CatholicHierarchy"/>

=== Associated saints and blesseds ===

Saints and blesseds include [[Saint James the Great]], 1st-century apostle; [[Saint Teresa of Ávila]], canonized in 1622; [[Saint Ignatius of Loyola]], canonized in 1622; and [[Blessed Bartolomé Blanco]], beatified in 2007, martyr of the Spanish Civil War.<ref name="Teresa"/><ref name="Blanco">{{Cite web |title=Blessed Bartolomé Blanco |url=https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20071028_blanco_en.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2007-10-28 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref>

=== Dynamic list of saints ===
{{SaintsQueryCountry}}

== More dynamic lists ==
===Dioceses ===
{{DiocesesQueryCountry}}

===Religious orders ===
{{OrderQueryCountry}}

===Lay organizations ===
{{OrgsQueryCountry}}

== Challenges to Catholicism ==

The Church faces secularization, with Catholic affiliation dropping from 71% in 2010 to 60% in 2020, driven by urban youth and non-religious growth (27%).<ref name="CIS"/> Clergy abuse scandals have prompted reforms, including transparency and victim support.<ref name="CNA">{{Cite web |title=Spain Church Reforms |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/spain-church-abuse-response |publisher=Catholic News Agency |date=2025-04-10 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> Religious diversity is increasing with Muslim (3%) and Protestant (2%) communities.

== Social and political influence ==

The Church promotes [[Catholic Social Teaching]] through education, healthcare, and advocacy for social justice.<ref name="Caritas"/> Its influence has waned politically due to secular reforms, but it remains a moral authority, particularly in rural areas, on issues like poverty and immigration.

== References ==

<references />

== External links ==

* <ref name="CIA"/>
* <ref name="GCatholic"/>
* {{Cite web |title=Spanish Episcopal Conference |url=https://www.conferenciaepiscopal.es/ |publisher=Spanish Episcopal Conference |date=2025-05-01 |access-date=2025-05-28}}