what was the Spanish Inquisition?
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Unlike other inquisitions where the pope appointed inquisitors , the Spanish Catholic Kings (Isabel and Fernando) negotiated being able to appoint their own— so in a way the Spanish Inq. became an arm of the crown—some would say even more political than being an arm of the church.
It should also be known that the Inq.’s goal was to try to bring Catholics back to the fold. So they did not execute people lightly. They wanted repentance and orthodoxy. (Not an Inq. apologist here, just trying to be careful to not overstate things or fall into stereotypes).
Also, the Spanish Inq. didn’t do the actual executing. Those who would not repent were “relaxed” to the secular arm for execution.
Depending on the time Jews, moriscos, and Protestants were considered a threat to Catholic orthodoxy. The Inq only had authority over Catholics/ converts to Catholicism. Inquisitors were skeptical of converts and were vigilant to make sure converts did not retain dietary and other practices of their former religion.
Its power was at its highest in 15-17th centuries. Tribunals were located in major cities in Spain and viceroyalties of the “New World.”
The Spanish Inq. also produced lists of prohibited books.
Read Henry Kamen’s book on The Spanish Inquisition for more.
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