Integralists

Integralists are adherents of integralism, a Catholic-inspired political doctrine that seeks to unify political life under the authority of the Catholic Church, rejecting liberal secularism and religious pluralism. It argues society should be ordered by a hierarchical, moral order grounded in Catholic doctrine, with the Church playing a central role in governance and education, and state authority legitimized by divine sanction. Economic ideas tend toward corporatism and social peace through ordered, guild-like associations.

Historical development: Integralism emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a reaction to liberalism, socialism, and secular republicanism. It took concrete forms in different countries. In Brazil, the Ação Integralista Brasileira (AIB) founded in 1932 by Plínio Salgado promoted nationalist, Catholic-inspired, corporatist politics and organized paramilitary groups before being outlawed by Getúlio Vargas in 1938. In Portugal, the Integralismo Lusitano emerged around the same period and influenced monarchist circles; it remained influential until the establishment of the Estado Novo regime.

Beliefs and methods: Integralists oppose liberal pluralism, democratic procedure insufficient to secure moral order, and often advocate strong leadership and traditional social hierarchies. Some branches embraced ritualism and symbolism reminiscent of fascist movements of the era, although integralism is not a uniform ideology and varied by country.

Criticism and legacy: Critics label integralism anti-democratic and theocratic, risking the suppression of religious freedom and political pluralism. In most cases, integralist movements declined or were suppressed by mid-20th century, though the term persists in historical discussions about church-state relations and Catholic political thought. Some fringe groups today revisit integralist rhetoric in debates on Catholic social teaching and political order.