Inquisition processes

The Inquisition was a series of institutions within the Catholic Church aimed at rooting out heresy—beliefs that deviated from official Church doctrine. It began in the 12th century and became particularly prominent in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The process often involved investigations where inquisitors would interrogate suspected heretics, seeking confessions, sometimes through harsh methods. Trials could lead to various outcomes, from penance to execution. While the Inquisition aimed to maintain religious orthodoxy, it is often criticized for its severity and lack of fairness. Its legacy raises complex questions about faith, authority, and justice.