The Grand Inquisition

The Grand Inquisition was a series of formal investigations initiated by the Catholic Church during the Middle Ages and Renaissance to identify, try, and punish individuals accused of heresy—beliefs or practices deemed contrary to Church doctrine. It aimed to maintain religious unity and authority, often involving rigorous tribunals, audits, and sometimes severe punishments like imprisonment, exile, or execution. The Inquisition operated across various regions, especially in Spain and Italy, and reflected efforts to suppress dissent and uphold doctrinal orthodoxy within Christian communities.