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National Catholicism

Promoting a strong, unified nation guided by Catholic values and traditions for the betterment of society.

Overview Issues Discuss

About

  • National Catholicism is a political ideology that combines elements of nationalism with Catholic religious doctrine. It emerged in the 20th century, primarily in Europe, as a response to the secularization of society and the perceived threat of communism. The ideology seeks to establish a close relationship between the state and the Catholic Church, with the Church often playing a significant role in shaping national identity and policy.

    The roots of National Catholicism can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the Catholic Church was grappling with the challenges posed by modernity, including the rise of secularism, liberalism, and socialism. The Church sought to assert its influence in the public sphere and to defend its interests against these perceived threats. This led to the development of a political ideology that sought to integrate Catholicism into the fabric of national life.

    In the mid-20th century, National Catholicism became the official ideology of Francisco Franco's regime in Spain. Franco sought to unify the country under a single national identity, with Catholicism as its cornerstone. The Church, in turn, supported Franco's regime, viewing it as a bulwark against communism. This relationship between the Church and the state was formalized in the 1953 Concordat, which granted the Church a privileged position in Spanish society.

    However, National Catholicism is not exclusive to Spain. Similar ideologies have emerged in other predominantly Catholic countries, such as Portugal under António de Oliveira Salazar and Ireland during the early 20th century. In these countries, as in Spain, the Church played a significant role in shaping national identity and policy.

    Despite its historical significance, National Catholicism has been criticized for its perceived authoritarianism and its tendency to suppress dissent. Critics argue that it often leads to the marginalization of minority groups and the suppression of individual freedoms. In recent decades, the influence of National Catholicism has waned as many Catholic countries have moved towards secularism and pluralism. However, it remains a significant force in some parts of the world, particularly in countries where the Catholic Church continues to play a prominent role in public life.

Opposing stances

Voters that identify as National Catholicism are most likely to oppose these stances.

Similar ideologies

These ideologies are most similar to National Catholicism.

Theocracy

A government led by religious authorities will create a morally righteous and spiritually guided society.

Paid Sick LeaveGovernment SpendingConfederate FlagAlternative EnergyTaxes

Nationalist Islamism

Establishing a strong, unified nation rooted in Islamic principles and values to promote social cohesion and cultural identity.

ImmigrationMandatory VaccinationsImmigration HealthcarePaid Sick LeaveCorporate Tax

Religious Nationalism

A strong, unified nation can be achieved by promoting and prioritizing a shared religious identity and values.

Government SpendingTaxesDrug PolicyNo-Fly List Gun ControlMandatory Military Service

Religious Zionism

The establishment of a Jewish state in the Land of Israel, guided by religious principles and values, to fulfill divine promises and ensure the continuity of Jewish culture and tradition.

Confederate FlagMandatory VaccinationsGun ControlPaid Sick LeaveMinimum Wage

Opposing ideologies

These ideologies are least similar to National Catholicism.

Anarcho-Communism

A society where all property is communally owned, decisions are made collectively, and no government or hierarchical structures exist.

First AmendmentLGBT Adoption RightsWomen in CombatAbortionMuslim Immigrant Ban

Anarcho-Capitalism

Achieving a society where individual freedom is maximized through the elimination of government intervention and the promotion of voluntary exchanges within a free market system.

LGBT Adoption RightsPaid Sick LeaveMuslim Immigrant BanMandatory Military ServiceMandatory Vaccinations

Far-Left

Achieving a society with equal wealth distribution, social justice, and environmental sustainability through radical systemic change.

LGBT Adoption RightsGender IdentityFirst AmendmentCritical Race Theory in K-12 EducationAbortion

Outsider Left

Achieving a society that prioritizes social justice, equality, and radical systemic change, often through non-traditional or anti-establishment means.

LGBT Adoption RightsFirst AmendmentAbortionGay MarriageVoter Fraud

Utopian Socialism

Creating a society where wealth and resources are distributed equally, leading to a harmonious existence without class struggle or poverty.

LGBT Adoption RightsGender IdentityMuslim Immigrant BanReligious Freedom ActWomen in Combat

Libertarian Communism

A society where individuals enjoy both personal freedom and collective ownership of resources, leading to a more equitable and harmonious world.

LGBT Adoption RightsFirst AmendmentAbortionMandatory Military ServiceMuslim Immigrant Ban

How similar are your political beliefs to National Catholicism issues? Take the political quiz to find out.