[Hieronymus]

Years ago likely means before 1980, and probably before 1975. Unfortunately, Franco is still dead.

[Former Fetus]

Hieronimus is right, it was before 1980 (I know that because that was the year I left Spain for good) but I don't think it was earlier than 1975. Whether it was right or wrong under canon law I do not know, but what I do know is that it was very common, I had to provide my baptism certificate to register for college. I didn't think it was right, I supported my aunt in her decision not to convert just because the parish priest said she had to! I just mentioned it because it is another example of an innocent child being denied baptism because of his parents.

Mrs. Don-o is right, those were weird times. When a bishop needed to be appointed, the church presented three choices to Franco and he had the final say... just like the church had a say in what ministers were or were not chosen. I like to tell this story to teenagers, to show them the importance of freedom of religion and how lucky they are to be born in the USA.