What did the Spanish Inquisition primarily focus on?

The primary focus of the Spanish Inquisition was religious conformity, specifically the enforcement of Catholic doctrine and the persecution of individuals and groups that were viewed as heretical or nonconforming to the Catholic faith. Established in 1478 by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, the Inquisition aimed to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in their realms, particularly after the Reconquista.

Judicial procedures involved the investigation, trial, and often punishment of those suspected of heresy, which included converted Jews (conversos) and Muslims (Moriscos) accused of secretly practicing their former religions. This was part of a broader effort to unify Spain under a single religious identity, aligning with the political consolidation of the Spanish state. Therefore, the central role of the Spanish Inquisition was to ensure religious uniformity and suppress dissent against Catholic teachings.