ABSTRACT

The position of the king of Spain as the supreme patron of the church in Spanish America was involved in his character as monarch. The region about the City of Mexico was divided into four districts, and to each four friars was assigned, while Valencia himself devoted his efforts to the capital. In 1534, the year of Zumarraga's return to America, New Spain was divided into four political divisions, which were designated as the provinces of Mexico, Michoacan, Goazacoalco, Miztecapan. In the course of time other bishoprics were created, and that of Mexico was made an archdiocese. The jurisdiction of the archbishop of Mexico was extended over the bishops of Tlascala, Michoacan, Oajaca, Nueva Galicia, Yucatan, Guatemala, Chiapas, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The Franciscan and Dominican friars had extended their missionary efforts over a large part of New Spain before these regions were formally brought under the jurisdiction of the organized church.