In Spain

Since its founding in 1928, Opus Dei has become the most controversial-and in many ways the most powerful-church organization in Spain since the Jesuits. With its 20,000 members, the Spanish branch is the largest and oldest of Opus Dei's 68 branches around the world.

The organization is powerful in Spain because many of its members hold influential positions in the economy, the universities, the press, and especially, in Generalissimo Francisco Franco's government.

Opus Dei is controversial because no one knows the extent of its members' influence in Spanish society and politics or the significance of Opus Dei membership, as compared with membership in the Catholic Church or professional societies.

"Opus Dei has nothing whatever to do with politics," President-general Escriva has written. "It is absolutely foreign to any political, economic, ideological or cultural tendency or group. The only thing it demands of its members is that they lead a Christian life."

Nevertheless, despite its officially apolitical mission, Opus Dei-through its members-now dominates the small but influential technocratic elite of Spanish society.

Since 1959, members of Opus Dei have occupied most of the key education and business positions in Franco's cabinet. Observers credit these men with instituting the modernizing reforms which in the last ten years have revitalized Spain's formerly stagnant economy.

The tutor of Juan Carlos, the Spanish Bourbon prince whom Franco has designated as his successor, is a member of Opus Dei. Admiral Carrero Blance, one of Franco's most trusted advisors, is also a member.

Members of Opus Dei own the sixth largest bank in Spain. In addition, they control 13 other banks and insurance companies, 16 real estate and construction firms, and an industrial conglomerate which includes five chemical plants.

The organization, which urges its members to proselytize among fellow workers, also controls part of the Spanish press. Members of Opus Dei own and edit two Madrid newspapers. run 12 magazine and book publishing houses, and operate the largest independent news service in the country.

Very few members of Opus Dei have joined the opposition movement in Spain. The Opposition is strongest among university students, industrial workers, and young Catholic priests, especially in the Basque Provinces and Catalonia.

The chief supporters of Opus Dei, on the other hand, are industrialists, financiers, landowners, and professional people-all of whom might have something to lose if the present regime were to disappear.

A few Opus Dei members, especially professors and students in the universities, have spoken and acted in protest against the Franco regime. Several have been exiled for their activities.

Since World War II, Opus Dei has increased its membership and influence in Spain primarily through its activities on the nation's university campuses.

Members of Opus Dei now teach at most of Spain's universities. They run the Universidad de Navarra in Pamploma. With 5200 students and 12 separate faculties, it is widely acknowledged to be the best university by far in Spain.