8. Globalizing sanctity

Abstract

The cult of saints crossed global horizons as part of the spread of Roman Catholicism that began in the late 15th century with the maritime expeditions of Catholic Portugal and Spain. ‘Globalizing sanctity’ explains that the most successful seedbed of sainthood was the Americas, where the Church received most patronage when it operated as a colonial government ideological arm, working to pacify and economically exploit the Amerindian natives. Why did the indigenous people adopt their Christian oppressors’ religion and what part did saints play? A fundamental feature of Catholic world mission was syncretism, mixing elements of two sets of religious belief and meaning through the adaptation of symbols and practices culturally accommodating to both.