“Para con Dios y la Patria”: representación y autoridad en el caudillismo franquista

This article develops a reflexion of the historical experiences which constitute an index and a factor of the concept of caudillism proposed by Francisco Javier Conde. The first section we will analyse the Catholic reaction to the assaults of the Reform, limiting the absolute power of the modern state. The subsequent analysis summarizes the Donoso Cortes’ politico-theological approach to the concept of dictatorship. The essay ends with a critique of the theory of leadership that gave to Franco a providential mission linked to tradition and Catholic orthodoxy, trying to argue about the alleged authoritarian Franco regime.