Portugal, Spain, and Italy remained Catholic.
Torquemada.
Spain was a leader in the Catholic Reformation due to its strong monarchy and the influence of the Spanish Inquisition, which sought to maintain Catholic orthodoxy and combat Protestantism. The establishment of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1534, founded by Ignatius of Loyola, played a crucial role in revitalizing the Church through education, missionary work, and spiritual renewal. Additionally, Spain's commitment to Catholicism was reinforced by its political power and the Counter-Reformation efforts, which aimed to reform the Church and counteract the Protestant Reformation's spread. This combination of religious zeal and political support positioned Spain as a key player in the Catholic Reformation.
Catholic from fear of the roman Catholic church but after 1606 after new England Spain and France
Because Spain had the "most Catholic monarchs" who sought to preserve the faith in their country unspotted by protestant heretics.
Christopher Columbus was Catholic, and so was his country, Spain.
Defending the Catholic Reformation was an important goal of Philip II of Spain. His reign lasted from 1556 to 1598.
During the Reformation, Spain remained a staunchly Catholic nation and actively resisted Protestant influences. The Spanish Inquisition was intensified to root out heresy and enforce religious conformity. Spain also solidified its power through the Counter-Reformation, supporting the Catholic Church's efforts to reaffirm its authority and suppress Protestantism. This period saw the rise of influential figures like Ignatius of Loyola, who founded the Jesuit order to promote Catholic education and missionary work.
To stop people from converting from Catholicism.
England and the Netherlands were both Protestant while Spain was Catholic.
Queen Elizabeth I opposed Spain's Counter-Reformation primarily because it threatened Protestant England's religious stability and sovereignty. As a Protestant monarch, she aimed to protect her realm from the influence of Catholicism and the political ambitions of Catholic powers, particularly Spain. Her support for Protestant movements in Europe and naval opposition to Spanish dominance, especially exemplified by the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, were crucial in resisting Spain's attempts to reassert Catholicism. Elizabeth's policies ultimately helped solidify Protestantism in England and countered the broader Catholic resurgence in Europe.
Spain reacted to the Protestant Reformation with strong opposition, reinforcing its commitment to Catholicism. The Spanish monarchy, particularly under King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, supported the Inquisition to root out heresy and maintain religious uniformity. Additionally, Spain played a key role in the Counter-Reformation, promoting Catholic doctrine through the Jesuits and other religious orders. The government also implemented censorship and restrictions on Protestant literature to curb the spread of Reformation ideas.