Reflexos dos conflitos político-religiosos na imprensa local: o caso de Leiria

This paper gives a look over the relations between Catholic Church and State in the Leiria region during the First Republic, especially about the Law of Separation, through the analysis of the Catholic newspaper O Mensageiro. It identifies the main features of the action from State and Republican officials, as well as the more obvious reactions of the Church and its members. It is presented the example of the events at Fátima in 1917, an important test to the relations between civil authorities and the Catholic hierarchy. We conclude there has been a relatively peaceful environment in the region, despite the permanent exchange of accusations: the Church complaining of persecution, the state demanding more obedience.