Roman Catholicism in Spain Spains history of religion has been a struggle between two religions mainly.

Spain was ruled and under Muslim regimes for a long part of its history. During that time, Islam was practiced throughout the country, but this had no control on the uprising and total domination that Roman Catholicism would have in the country. When Franco rose to power in the country, Roman Catholicism was restored to its former glory and stronghold. During Francos reign, Catholicism was the onl y religion to have legal status and no other religions were to be advertised. The government paid priests salaries and laws were designed and created with religion in mind (RELIGION). The education system had Catholic religious instruction even in the public schools. Catholicism dominated the country during this time and continued to have a strong power in the country even to this day. Catholicism has played a huge role in the social and culture development of Spain. Many laws and policies were created during Francos regime that were completely influence by the religion or the practicing clergy. Children going through the education system would learn values and beliefs through Catholic instruction in all schools. There were many churches built during Francos rule, which are still in existence today and still influencing culture and architecture to this day. Any visitor to Spain would be able to see a huge religious influence in the streets of Spain through its buildings, churches, schools, and overall culture through citizens beliefs, values, and doings on a day-to-day basis. There are many sacred and holy locations for the Catholic Church. The holiest of places for the Catholic Church is Jerusalem like many other religions. Another holy place is the Vatican where the Pope resides and especially St. Peters Basilica within the Vatican. On a more local level, Spain also has some sacred places within the country. These sacred places include the Leon Cathedral, Basilica of Santiago de Compostela, Basilica del Pilar, Church of Salvador, and Burgos Cathedral among many others. Spains government was at a time very linked and affected by religion. During the time of Francos regime the government and religion worked side by side in many different ways. Catholicism and its values influenced many laws and policies, such as the banning of the sale of contraceptives and abolishing divorce (RELIGION). The government paid the salaries of priests and clergymen around the country allowing them influence on the government. During this time the government and countrys religious beliefs were in alignment on most decisions, but that has changed for the country today. With the fall of Franco and establishment of King Juan Carlos, many things in regards to government were changing in Spain. Previous created laws and policies were abolished along with the government no longer funding religious workers by paying their salary. Today, the government and religion are two separate establishments in the country working separately throughout the country.

References RELIGION. (n.d.). Spain - RELIGION. Retrieved October 22, 2013, from http://countrystudies.us/spain/44.htm