Spanish bishops have started to openly confront the far-right party Vox, labeling them as ideological heirs of Francoism and denouncing leader Santiago Abascal's xenophobic rhetoric.
In Spain, the conflict between the Catholic Church and the far-right party Vox has intensified, marked by strong public statements from several bishops. The bishops have criticized Vox for its anti-immigration stance and its attacks on the Church, which have become more pronounced in recent months. The leader of Vox, Santiago Abascal, had previously assailed the bishops for their support of immigration and for their stance on social issues, accusing them of straying from traditional Christian values.
Leading figures of the Church, like Archbishop Joan Planellas, took a decisive stand against these accusations, openly denouncing Abascal's comments and stating, “A xenophobe cannot be a true Christian.” This marks a significant turn from the Church's usual reticence to engage in political disputes, signaling a deeper confrontation as bishops defend their positions regarding societal issues like immigration and religious tolerance.
The implications of this clash could be far-reaching, potentially affecting the relationship between the Church and the far-right party, and influencing public opinion on immigration and social policy in Spain. The bishops' resistance may resonate with segments of the Spanish population who are critical of Vox's extreme positions, indicating a potential shift in the political landscape as elections approach.
