The Inquisition in New Spain went through a period of crisis during the first decades of the 17th century. The tribunal, which in its beginnings was very active, began to lose prestige due to conflicts with civil and ecclesiastical authorities, which led to a notable stagnation. However, in 1643, after years of tensions, there was a reactivation that marked a key moment in the history of the Holy Office in the viceroyalty.
The decline of the court in the 1930s
During the first two decades of the seventeenth century, the Inquisition maintained an active role in the surveillance of faith and morals. However, by the 1630s, a decline became evident. The tribunal was practically paralyzed by disputes with the viceroy, the ecclesiastical chapter and the city council.
In 1639, the inquisitors informed the Supreme Council that they had only one minor case in progress: that of a cleric accused as petitioner. This fact illustrates the magnitude of the crisis, for the Holy Office had gone from being a feared and active institution to having only one minor case.
The conflict with the cabildos and the viceroy
One of the points of greatest tension was the impossibility of reading the general edict of the faith in the cathedral of Mexico, a fundamental practice to keep the inquisitorial activity alive. For more than twenty years, disputes with civil and ecclesiastical authorities made it impossible to carry out this public act, weakening the authority of the tribunal.
Historian Medina points out that these dissidences generated a long period of inactivity, in which the Inquisition was marginalized from the major issues of viceregal life.
The revival: the edict of 1643
The situation changed in 1643, when the inquisitors managed to reach an agreement with the authorities through “good means and courtesies”. On March 1 of that year, the reading of the general edict finally took place in the cathedral of Mexico City.
The event brought together the ecclesiastical and civil councils, as well as the city’s nobility, although the viceroy was conspicuously absent. According to the chronicles, it was the most solemn and colorful act of this type celebrated until then in the Indies.
Most significantly, barely a month after this act, the court had already received a large number of complaints, demonstrating that the institution could quickly regain its power of social influence.
Conclusion
The crisis of the inquisitorial tribunal in the 1630s reflects the tensions between the various authorities in New Spain and the fragility of the Holy Office when it lacked political backing. However, the The resurgence of 1643 with the reading of the general edict of the faith is evidence of the court’s ability to revitalize itself and once again occupy a central place in the religious and social life of the viceroyalty.
Some frequently asked questions about the crisis of the Inquisition in New Spain.
Why did the Inquisition enter into crisis in the 1630s?
Because it lost prestige and was paralyzed by disputes with the viceroy and the civil and ecclesiastical councils.
How important was the reading of the general edict of faith?
It was a key public act to maintain the activity of the Holy Office and to remind the population of their religious duties.
What happened in 1643 with the Inquisition in New Spain?
After more than twenty years of conflict, the edict was read in the cathedral of Mexico, which revitalized the court.
What impact did this event have on New Spain society?
The reading of the edict generated a large number of complaints in a short time, showing that the court still retained the power of convocation and control.
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