Editing Philip IV of Spain (section)

==Philip and religion==
[[File:María de Jesús de Ágreda (cropped).png|thumb|upright|[[María de Ágreda]], a religious advisor to Philip IV during the second half of his reign]]

The [[Catholic Church|Catholic religion]] and its rituals played an important part in Philip's life, especially towards the end of his reign. Depressed by events across his domains, he became increasingly concerned with religious affairs.<ref name="Ishikawa, p. 77"/> In particular, Philip paid special devotion to a painting of the ''Nuestra Señora del Milagro'', the [[Virgin of Miracles]]; the painting was said to miraculously raise and lower its eyes in response to prayer. Whilst married to [[Elisabeth of France (1602–1644)|Elisabeth]], Philip had placed their children under the protection of this image; married to [[Mariana of Austria|Mariana]], they undertook special religious ceremonies together under the gaze of the painting. Philip also had a large standard made with the image of the painting on one side and the royal coat of arms on the other, brought out in processions each year on 12 July.<ref>{{harvnb|Goodman|2005|pages=169-170}}</ref> As well as marking a strong personal religious belief, this increasingly visible link between the crown, the Church and national symbols such as the Virgin of Miracles, represented a key pillar of support for Philip as king.<ref name="Stradling, p. 20"/>

Monarchs during the period also had a key role in the [[canonization]] process and could utilise this for domestic or international political effect. Philip, for example, keen to reach out to his Portuguese subjects, put his considerable influence behind the case for [[Elizabeth of Aragon|Isabella of Portugal]], a 14th-century role model of a 'perfect queen', to great effect, ultimately paying for a lavish celebration in Lisbon after her canonisation in 1625. Internationally, it was important for Spanish prestige for her to receive at least a proportionate and ideally greater, share of new saints than other Catholic kingdoms, and Philip sponsored a flurry of texts and books supporting Spain's candidates, particularly in competition with Catholic France.<ref>{{harvnb|Haliczer|2002|pages=34-36}}</ref>
[[File:Pedro de valpuesta-felipe IV.JPG|thumb|210px|left|Philip swearing to defend the doctrine of the [[Immaculate Conception]]]]
During the emergency of 1640–1643, Philip appears to have had a crisis of faith. Philip genuinely believed the success or failure of his policies represented God's favour and judgement on his actions.<ref name=Haliczer27>{{harvnb|Haliczer|2002|p=27}}</ref> The combination of the revolts, the French advances and the loss of his trusted favourite Olivares appears to have deeply shaken him. Queen Isabella and the new president of the [[Council of Castile]], Don Juan Chumacero – both involved in the removal of Olivares – encouraged the King to invite [[Mysticism|mystics]] and visionaries from across Europe to his court at [[Zaragoza]]. The mystics' principal advice centred on the importance of the King rejecting Olivares' replacement, de Haro and the remaining pro-Olivares nobles at court.<ref name=Haliczer26>{{harvnb|Haliczer|2002|p=26}}</ref> The various mystics were not acceptable to broader Spanish noble opinion and, with de Haro's encouragement, they were ultimately dismissed.<ref name=Haliczer27/>

Instead, Philip turned to a better-established female mystic, Sister [[María de Ágreda]], a prioress known for her religious writings.<ref name=Haliczer27/> He asked her to correspond with him and to advise him in spiritual matters. The two became regular correspondents throughout the remainder of their lives. This is documented in over 600 confidential letters between them over a period of twenty-two years.<ref name="Hume, p"/> Philip clearly believed that Maria could intercede with God on his behalf and provide advice on what God wished him to do, to improve Spain's failing fortunes.<ref name=Haliczer27/> Most believe that Philip was involved in protecting Maria from the [[Spanish Inquisition|Inquisition]]'s investigation of 1650.<ref>{{harvnb|Haliczer|2002|p=92}}</ref> Philip's son, [[Charles II of Spain|Charles II]], also protected her writings from later censorship.