Reforma das dioceses portuguesas no século XIX

: a extinção da Diocese de Elvas

Abstract

The region of Elvas had great importance at a strategic, civil, military and religious level, over the centuries. It became the seat of a diocese in 1570, when one of the great reforms of the ecclesiastical territory in Portugal was promoted.The ecclesiastical circumscription in Portugal underwent major transformations in two great moments, in the 16th century and, later, in the 19th century. This dissertation presents the factors that led to the extinction of this diocese in the 19th century.Starting from a historical context of the creation of the diocese of Elvas and the restructuring itself in the 16th century, we then look at the reordering carried out in the 19th century, seeking to know the general panorama of Portugal, to highlight the case of the bishopric of Elvas.After understanding the last period of existence of this bishopric, it is intended to know its diocesan institutions, the state of operation of each of them and clarify the role of prelates during that time.Finally, the civil and political factors that contributed to the suppression of Elvas as a diocese are presented. We also identified the popular movements that protested against the decision of extinction, highlighting the feelings of nostalgia that remained in the city of Elvas after the loss of episcopal dignity.This is an investigation that demonstrates the decline of a diocese that suffered the consequences of the historical-political context of the 19th century.

Date of Award	23 Jun 2023
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	António Matos Ferreira (Supervisor)