The Portuguese Inquisition and the Expansion of Portugal’s Global Influence Under John III (1536–1821)

During the reign of King John III of Portugal (r. 1521–1557), Portugal stood as one of the great European powers, alongside England, France, and Spain, wielding economic, political, and cultural influence through its expanding global empire.

While Portugal was not the dominant power in European affairs, it had established itself as a thalassocracy, controlling key maritime trade routes and colonies in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Under John III, two major institutions—the Jesuits and the Portuguese Inquisition—were instrumental in consolidating Portuguese influence both at home and overseas.

John III and the Evangelization of the Portuguese Empire

• Nicknamed "o Piedoso" ("the Pious"), John III was deeply committed to spreading Catholicism throughout the Portuguese Empire.
• He supported Jesuit missions in the Far East (India, Japan, China) and Brazil, making Catholic evangelization a central part of Portuguese imperial policy.
• His brother, Cardinal Henry, played a key role in bringing the Jesuits to Portugal, ensuring their involvement in both education and missionary work.

The Portuguese Inquisition (1536–1821): A Tool of Religious and Social Control

• The Portuguese Inquisition was formally established in 1536, following John III’s petition to Pope Paul III.
• However, its roots date back to 1497, when Portugal expelled or forcibly converted Sephardic Jews, many of whom had previously fled Spain’s 1492 expulsion under the Alhambra Decree.

Structure and Leadership

• The Inquisition was overseen by the king, but operated under the authority of a Grand Inquisitor (Inquisidor-Geral), nominated by the Pope but personally chosen by the king.
• The first Grand Inquisitor of Portugal was Cardinal Henry, John III’s brother.
• There were four main Inquisitorial Courts in Portugal:
  • Lisbon ...