Pray for: Spain

Spain has experienced a profound transformation since 1978. It abandoned a dictatorship for democratic rule, moved from poverty towards wealth, integrated into Europe, and increased religious freedom. But economic progress and increasing secularization seems to have deeply eroded moral foundations, and has accelerated a rapid decline of spirituality. Spain’s younger generations are among the most spiritually disengaged in Europe. Materialism and hedonism have brought about widespread prostitution, alchohol overconsumption, and illicit drug use. Gambling addictions are a serious challenge to society, as are depression and other mental health issues. These factors and the easy access to abortion makes it no surprise that Spain’s birth rate is one of the world’s lowest. Pray for Spain to wake up to the lies that have blinded it to the truth of the gospel.

Spain was considered one of the most Catholic countries, but today less than 17% of Spanish people say they are practicing their faith. 38% of Spaniards call themselves “non-practicing Catholics.” The Catholic feasts or rituals no longer have spiritual meaning for most young people. In fact, 78% of the 18-24 age category identified as Catholic in 1990, plummeting to 28% in 2021. In the 16th century (during the Inquisition), leaders tortured or killed thousands suspected of heresy, and forced hundreds of thousands of Jews, Muslims, and Protestants to either convert or leave. Pray for full repentance, and that the shame on Christianity may be lifted. Pray for renewal that breathes new life into the Catholic Church.