The Strange Disappearance of the Catholic Church in Mexican Politics

The Catholic Church, either by means of the hierarchy (mainly bishops) intervention and social and political movements of catholic origin, used to get involved in Mexican Politics, particularly, but not only, in times of elections or in the quest for democracy. The arrival of a populist left leaning government headed by a charismatic end religiously inspired and oriented leader changed the political landscape and the rules of engagement. The result of this changes, after a brief period of uncertainty, has been a retreat in participation and an almost complete silence regarding social changes. This paper will explore the reasons of that retreat and silence, related to secularization, populism regarding religion, or new forms of spiritual politics.