INQUISITION AND REGALISM: THE (RE)EVALUATION OF CANDIDACIES WITHIN THE HOLY OFFICE DURING POMBAL’S RULE

Abstract

This paper analyzes the administrative procedure of the Portuguese Holy Office derived from the reforms promoted by Pombal, specially the mechanisms of social classification adopted by the institution after its elevation to the status of royal court. It discusses the action of decision-making bodies from the Portuguese Inquisition who, in the years 1769 and 1770, undertook a process of reanalyzing old licensing processes that had been suspended for incurring regimental impediments, reconsidering them in light of the new political guidelines in force at that time. This action, the text argues, was part of the reformist political efforts that aimed to curb the regulatory power of the Holy Office, renew the paradigms of social stratification enforced by the institution, and provide the central governing power with an instrument to co-opt political support from the intermediate strata of society, valuing mercantile groups and broadening their base of supporters and state financiers. This reveals a still unknown dimension of the regalist impetus of D. José I’s reign and shows how the Portuguese Inquisition served the reformist policies of his government.

Keywords:
Inquisition; New-Christians; Racism, Social mobility; Enlightenment