Cisneros, from his new position, had set about reforming the Franciscan order in Spain.

The ordained friars have had to become celibate, giving up the practice of having "wives" (concubines, Spanish barraganas).

They now have to reside in the parish in which they are supposed to work, attend confession, and preach every Sunday.

There has been intense opposition.

By 1498, the reforms have been expanded to include not only Franciscans but other religious orders as well.

The resistance is so fierce that four hundred monks and friars have left for Africa with their "wives" and converted to Islam.

The Minister General of the order himself had come from Rome to attempt to temper the archbishop's strict reforms, but Cisneros, backed by the influence of a strong Queen, has managed to impose them.