In Spain, historically one of Europe’s most staunchly Catholic countries, large numbers of Catholics were butchered during the 1936-1939 Spanish Civil War solely for being Catholic. Unlike the martyrdoms in most parts of the world, whole sectors of the religious community were liquidated. More than 6,800 bishops, priests, male and female members of religious were martyred. Many were tortured and mutilated before execution. Entire convents were raped. Devout Catholic lay men and women also suffered horrendously. In the 20th century, probably no country witnessed so much bloodshed among its clergy and religious as Spain.
In Spain, historically one of Europe’s most staunchly Catholic countries, large numbers of Catholics were butchered during the 1936-1939 Spanish Civil War solely for being Catholic.
