The Inquisition: Historical Context and Collaboration

The Inquisition, which was driven by collaboration between secular and ecclesiastical authorities, had its roots in both Spain and Rome. It began in Spain in 1478 under Ferdinand and Isabella and was overseen by the Spanish crown. However, in 1542, six cardinals were appointed by Pope Paul III to serve as commissaries and inquisitors general, establishing the universal authority of the Inquisition across all Christendom. The Spanish Inquisition worked closely with the Spanish crown, and its tribunals were primarily staffed by jurists. This collaboration between secular and ecclesiastical authorities led to a distinctive local character for the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal.