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Spain

(Redirected from Spanish)

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.[1] 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.[2] Despite a secular constitution, the Church maintains significant influence in education, charity, and traditions, amid growing secularization.

Stored: Spain

Country: Spain
Historic: No
Existence: –
Continent: Europe
Region: Southern Europe
Historical Region:
Area: 505990 km²
Population: 47800000
Catholic Population: 28700000
Catholic Percentage: 60%
Catholicism Status: Majority religion, constitutionally secular
Official Languages: Spanish
Capital: Madrid
Catholicism Introduced: 1st century
Ecclesiastical Provinces: 14
Dioceses: 70
Patron Saints: Our Lady of the Pillar, Saint James the Great, Saint Teresa of Ávila
Predecessor States:
Successor States:


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.[1] 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.[3] 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.[1] About 28.7 million (60%) are Catholic, the dominant religion, followed by 27% non-religious, 3% Muslim, and 2% Protestant.[2][4] 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.[2] 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:[2]

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.[5] 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).[6][7] 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.[1] 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).[1] 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.[8] 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.[9] 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.[10] 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.[8] 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.[10] 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.[5]

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.[6][11]

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%).[4] Clergy abuse scandals have prompted reforms, including transparency and victim support.[12] 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.[9] 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

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Spain". CIA World Factbook. 2025-05-01. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/spain/. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Catholic Church in Spain". GCatholic.org. 2025-04-15. http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/ES.htm. 
  3. ↑ "Spain". Encyclopedia.com. 2025-03-01. https://www.encyclopedia.com/places/spain-portugal-italy-greece-and-balkans/spanish-and-portuguese-political-geography/spain. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Barómetro de Abril 2023". Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas. 2023-04-30. https://www.cis.es/cis/export/sites/default/-Archivos/Marginales/3400_3419/3417/es3417mar.pdf. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Catholic Church in Spain". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-02-01. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/country/es.html. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Saint Teresa of Ávila". Vatican News. 1622-03-12. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_16220312_avila_en.html. 
  7. ↑ "Pope John Paul II in Spain". Vatican News. 1982-10-31. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/1982-10/pope-john-paul-spain-visit.html. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Spanish Catholic Traditions". Catholics & Cultures. 2025-03-10. https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/spain. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Caritas Spain". Caritas Internationalis. 2025-02-15. https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/spain/. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Sagrada Família". Wikipedia. 2025-04-20. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagrada_Fam%C3%ADlia. 
  11. ↑ "Blessed Bartolomé Blanco". Vatican News. 2007-10-28. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20071028_blanco_en.html. 
  12. ↑ "Spain Church Reforms". Catholic News Agency. 2025-04-10. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/spain-church-abuse-response. 

External links

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named CIA
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named GCatholic
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