The Supreme Court of Spain has put an end to the long-standing dispute involving the former nuns from Belorado (Belorado, Burgos), denying them the right to register as a civil association. This decision is another blow to the women who, after leaving the Catholic Church, tried to retain the monasteries of Santa Clara in Derio (Derio, Biscay) and Belorado.
Initially, the Ministry of the Interior refused to include these monasteries in the National Register of Civil Associations. The former nuns insisted that, despite their split from the Church, they had the right to remain in the buildings, considering them their home. However, they are still subject to an eviction order, although it is currently suspended due to other ongoing legal proceedings.
Disagreeing with the Ministry’s stance, the women appealed to the High Court of Madrid, citing procedures for the protection of fundamental rights. They also challenged the appointment of the pontifical commissioner as the official representative of the religious organizations of the monasteries. In their view, the refusal to register violates their right to create a community outside ecclesiastical structures. However, the court in Madrid did not uphold their arguments.
Now the Supreme Court also found no grounds to review the case. The judges emphasized that, despite the public outcry, the situation does not warrant new judicial precedent. As a result, the former prioress and her supporters will not be able to obtain civil association status and are required to pay court costs.
This verdict could be decisive for the future of the former nuns. Without official status, it will be difficult for them to claim the right to reside in the monasteries, and the prospect of eviction is becoming increasingly real. The question of these women’s future and their attempts to maintain a connection to their former lives remains unresolved.
