In 1233, the Papal Inquistion had began. It was first directed at the Albigensian sect in southern France. In Spain, the Papal Inquisition was applied against the Jewish people that were converted by force to Christianity. The secret Jews known as Conversos practiced Judaism secretly.
In every colony of Spain, from Mexico to the Philippine Archipelago, the Spanish Inquisition came seeking for the New Christians (Conversos, Marranos, Profesos or Crypto-Jews) that practiced Judaism covertly. Those that had been found guilty were burned alive and their properties were confiscated.
In 1469, Ferdinand of Aragon married Isabella of Castille. Their union had made it possible for the Papal Inquisition to reach Spain.
