Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the most controversial moments in the history of the War of the Spanish Succession, focusing mainly on the political role played by the Inquisition during the crucial passage of succession crisis. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the conflicts with the Grand Inquisitor Baltasar de Mendoza and the rise of the philo-bourbon Vidal Marin, who contributed to the reinforcement of the French party. It also highlights the unstable and uncertain position of the Holy See, which confirms once again the ambivalent role played by the Tribunal of the Holy Office of the Inquisition, tied both to the authority of the Spanish Crown and to the Papacy.