A look at the prevalence of the Catholic religion in Spain, Catholic Saint Blessed JoseMaria Escriva, and the controversial Catholic 'cult' of Opus Dei. 1400 words.

Catholicism in Spain The main religion in Spain is Catholicism. Nearly all Spaniards are Catholic, the variety is Roman Apostolic. Aside from the Catholics, there are a few thousand Jews, mostly Sephardic Jews from North Africa, who settle in larger cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Cordoba. Recently, a synagogue was inaugurated at Mallorca. Spain also has some Anglicans. The Spanish Catholics are religious in a uniquely Spanish style. Catholicism has historically played a large …

…he advent of democracy, Opus Dei lost much of its influence, and it was condemned by the more progressive forces in both the Catholic hierarchy and Spanish society for having propped up a repressive regime. Its stature was somewhat restored under Pope John Paul II, who viewed the orthodox Catholicism of the organization with favor. Opus Dei remained influential in the area of education as well as in certain sectors of the financial community.