Lorraine Williamson
On Monday, 9 June 2025, Spain’s religious communities will take an unprecedented step: a formal public apology for their role in the repression of women during and after the Franco dictatorship. The Spanish Church Franco-era abuse apology marks a rare moment of accountability for decades of harm inflicted in Church-run institutions.
The Spanish Conference of Religious Orders (CONFER), representing more than 400 religious congregations, will issue the statement after internal investigations and consultations with survivors.
Women sent to reform centres for defying traditional roles
During the Franco regime and in the years that followed, thousands of women were institutionalised for behaviour considered morally or socially unacceptable. Those targeted were often young and deemed “rebellious” or “fallen” — pregnant outside marriage, fleeing abuse, or simply defying authority.
These women were placed in state-sanctioned re-education centres run by nuns. Under the guise of moral correction, they were forced to pray, work, and endure strict discipline. Many endured humiliation, isolation, and lasting trauma.
“I was fifteen,” recalls María, one former inmate. “I ended up behind bars because my parents thought I was too free.”
Stolen children and lost family ties
One of the most harrowing aspects of the regime’s legacy concerns children born in these centres. Many mothers were told their babies had died. In truth, many were taken and placed with families loyal to the regime.
This practice, often involving Church officials and medical professionals, continued into the 1980s. Today, many of these children — now adults — are still trying to trace their origins. Documentation is sparse or non-existent.
The Church’s statement acknowledges this suffering and extends its apology to those who grew up unaware of their true identity.
Religious orders accept responsibility
CONFER’s statement stops short of blaming individual nuns but admits that serious harm was done. “We sincerely ask for forgiveness,” the statement reads. “What happened should never have happened.”
While acknowledging that some women reported positive experiences, CONFER recognises the overwhelming pain caused. “Even if only one woman suffered harm, we ask for forgiveness on behalf of religious life.”
Survivors call for action beyond apologies
Survivors say the apology is a necessary first step, but more is needed. Many are demanding state recognition, access to archives, and full historical transparency.
Some of those who experienced the institutions did not live to see this moment. Others still carry the burden of untold stories.
Legacy of fear and silence
For decades, the experiences of these women were suppressed — by authorities, religious institutions, and the women themselves.
The 2018 documentary The Silence of Others shed light on these hidden histories, following victims seeking justice. Many were silenced by fear, rooted in childhood warnings and religious guilt.
In Catholic Spain, threats to misbehaving children included tales of “el hombre del saco” — the sack man. Later, the threat became real: reform schools, punishment by nuns, and separation from family.
That fear shaped generations. Now, with this apology, there is hope that truth can begin to take its place.