Cum multa

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The encyclical Cum multa , "On the conditions in Spain", of December 8, 1882, was judged by Pope Leo XIII. to the Spanish archbishops, bishops and all other dignitaries.

Political background

In 1880 the restoration of the Bourbon rule began in Spain under King Alfonso XII. who enacts a new constitution . Under Alfonso XII. a new political system established itself in Spain, excluding Carlist , Republicans and reactionary moderados from power. He was assisted by his mentor Antonio Cánovas del Castillo , who founded the Conservative Party, and the Liberal Party soon emerged as a counter-force, these two political forces now mutually constituting governments by mutual agreement (see main article: History of Spain ).

The encyclical

Concerned that the Spanish Church could be wiped out between these parties, he turned to the Spaniards with this Apostolic Circular: In his welcoming words, he praised the Spanish nation as the loyal and outstanding keeper of the Catholic faith. The devotion to the Apostolic See and the repeated testimonies show the courage with which Spain represented the Church in Europe . But now, he writes, there are signs of differences of opinion, he urges the unity of the church and criticizes the new constitution , which would strive to separate church and state. The violent political conflicts lead to violent disturbances and the Christian resistance should consolidate the unity of the church. As the Roman pontiff , as he calls himself, he instructs the Spanish episcopate to stand up for the freedom of religion in their areas of responsibility . He emphasized the special tasks that had been assigned to the bishops as representatives of God and exhorted them to defend the Christian faith in their dioceses in an exhortation . In his closing formula he sends the message of the Gospel to all “consecrated brothers in God” and wishes them strength and strength to successfully defend their faith .

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