The Argentine Church: From Integralist to Populist Nationalism

Abstract

This paper examines the different institutional strategies implemented by the Argentine Catholic Church to extend its influence in the society. The paper covers a long period of Argentine political history, from the crisis of liberalism at the beginning of the century to the Menem's administration. However, rather of being a detailed account of events, it focuses on the main trends developed by the institutional Church and Catholics militants in dealing with the major political developments of contemporary Argentina. Particular attention is given to the relationship between Catholicism and Peronism on the one hand, and to the long lasting link between Catholicism and different forms of nationalism.