Dilectissima nobis

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With the encyclical Dilectissima nobis (June 3, 1933) to the cardinals , the other archbishops and bishops , the clergy and the whole people of Spain , Pope Pius XI. "Position on the Church's persecution in Spain".

Historical background

(See main article: Second Spanish Republic )

On April 14, 1931, Niceto Alcalá Zamora proclaimed the Second Spanish Republic and became President. The new constitution, issued in 1931, introduced civil marriage as well as the right to vote for women . After a failed coup attempt in August 1932, Alejandro Lerroux took over government responsibility as the new Prime Minister after the 1933 elections .

Political and Religious Development

The Spanish episcopate was monarchist and had only reluctantly accepted the republic , which had existed since 1931 . The Pope had condemned the anti-clerical legislation of the Second Republic and delayed recognition of the new regime . Already since 1910 there had been signs of a decline in practicing Catholics in Spain and in some areas more than 25 percent of children were no longer baptized.

Separation of church and state

The country's economic misery brought increasing numbers of liberal , socialist and radical socialist parties . The new republican constitution determined the separation of church and state . In the course of further reforms, civil marriage and divorce were introduced. In May 1932 the Cardinal-Primate of Spain and Archbishop of Toledo opened the resistance against the republic in a pastoral letter. The Spanish Catholic Church then increased its allegations against the "red antichrists" and the "enemies of the Kingdom of Christ". In the following year, 1933, the Spanish bishops called for a “holy crusade for the full restoration of ecclesiastical rights”.

About persecuting the church

Beyond the political developments, Pius XI lamented. the growing hatred of Christians and the institutions of the Church. This subversive development had also spread to Mexico and Russia . He warned of anarchic conditions in parts of the world. He had already turned against these destructive forces with his encyclical Quas primas (1925) and thus set an example. As Pope, he stands up for freedom, order, calm, unity and peace.

Expropriations

Pius XI. condemns the illegal appropriations of church goods, buildings and objects. They would be wrested from the rightful claim of the church, since these goods were finally acquired financially. He writes that the state has not been given the power to sell or desecrate religious objects, so the church is demanding compensation.

Art theft

Due to the anti-religious forces and the lust for power of the rulers, the Pope accuses, church objects, church buildings, art objects , even churches, are not spared. The robbery or the taking away of church art treasures would hurt the feelings of the believers and disregard Christian dignity.

Persecution of the communities

Regarding the persecution of the Christian communities, he explains that the religious communities are wounded and not spared by the deplorable laws. The members are persecuted, denounced and unjustly accused. They would be tortured, registered and harassed. Extra taxes would be imposed on them, which they could not pay, only to be convicted and kidnapped. The prisoners and displaced people would then have to suffer a long and difficult ordeal.

Exhortation

In the final exhortation , he calls on his confreres in Spain to be calm, prudent and reasonable. Pius XI. urges them to continue to protect their "flock" and to stand up for religious rights. It is important to defend the faith in a disciplined manner and to stand firm against the dangerous influences of the state. He encourages all clergy to fight for the faith faithfully and in a Catholic attitude with shared responsibility.

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