La bula de la Santa Cruzada en Yucatán. Las peculiaridades y oportunidades de su administración

Abstract

This article discusses the peculiarities of the administration of the Papal Bull of the Crusade in the Diocese of Yucatán during the colonial period and the opportunities offered by its administration. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms used in the distribution of the bulls and the collection of “alms” in a district with an overwhelming majority of indigenous population and with little access to bullion, circumstances that allowed tax farmers to take advantage by obtaining additional benefits. The Crusade-contract in Yucatan offers other special features. Unlike other dioceses of the Mexican ecclesiastical province, in Yucatan the position of the Crusade treasurer was sold in the middle of the 17th century and remained in the hands of the same family until the end of the colonial era.