Catholicism, Politics, and Education Twentieth-Century Spain

On January 13, the book José Ibáñez Martín: Catholicism, Politics, and Education 1914–1958), by historian Carlos Veci Lavín, published by the committee Research committee (CSIC), was presented at the University of Navarra.

The work offers an in-depth study of José Ibáñez Martín, the politician who served the longest as head of Education Ministry of Education (1939-1951) and one of the leading figures in intellectual Catholicism and Spanish educational policy in the 20th century. 

Throughout the book, the author reconstructs his public career between 1914 and 1958, paying special attention to his role as Minister of Education , his influence in shaping the educational system educational reforms such as the university reform of 1943 and the school reform of 1945, and his relationship with culture and intellectuals during the early Franco regime. This task was uniquely reflected in the convictions of Ibáñez Martín, who was himself involved in a period of renewal of the Catholic presence in public life.

Based on research of archival sources and unpublished documentation, the work the complex relationships between Catholicism, politics, and Education a period marked by the Civil War, the postwar period, and the consolidation of Franco's "new regime." The study provides insight into how educational projects, ideological debates, and cultural strategies were articulated within the framework contemporary Spain.

During the presentation, Carlos Veci Lavín outlined the main lines of his research, emphasizing the importance of Ibáñez Martín as a mediator between the academic world, Catholic thought, and the Structures political power. He also invited reflection on the limitations of an authoritarian approach to politics, which was almost unanimously endorsed by the minister, his friends, and his enemies.

The event was organized by the programs of study Escrivá Center for programs of study (CEJE) and theresearch group research Recent History (GIHRE), and is part of the academic and cultural outreach initiatives promoted by these centers.