The relations existing between the Mexican church and the Papal throne were interrupted by the revolution. Spain and her monarchs had ever been distinguished and faithful defenders of the Catholic church, and had maintained its power carefully throughout all their American possessions. The pope therefore regarded the revolution not only as unfavorable to the interest of his allies, but as calculated in all probability to introduce ecclesiastical as well as political liberty into regions of which his ministers possessed the entire dominion. Hence the famous encyclical letter of his Holiness of the 24th of September, 1824, directed to the Heads of the American church, in which he anathematizes the doctrines and principles upon which the revolution was founded. But, yielding in the end to circumstances, and probably reassured by the article in the first constitution of Mexico--not yet promulgated when his letter saw the light--by which the Catholic faith was permanently confirmed as the national religion, to the exclusion of all others, he received the rebellious nation once more into his flock, as soon as the Mexican government sought readmission. This reconciliation was negotiated upon the same terms that existed during the Spanish dominion. Even from the epoch of Iturbide's rule this delicate subject had engaged the attention of the rulers, and in 1825 an envoy was sent to Rome. The ecclesiastical Junto which met in Mexico, had striven to reinvest the Metropolitan with the ancient right of instituting suffragan bishops; but the canonical right has continued in the Pope, on the presentation of the government. Nevertheless, efforts have been made to extend, substantially the metropolitan powers of the Archbishop of Mexico, of whom it was probably desired to make the true head of the national church, dependent however upon the Roman Pontiff. * * * * * There were in Mexico, according to the best accessible official dates, in 1826 1 Archbishop. 9 Bishops, in 9 Bishoprics. 1 Collegiate Chief at the Collegiate Church of Guadalupe. 185 Prebends, (79 vacancies thereof, in 1826.) 1194 Parishes, of one, two, or more churches. 9 Seminaries (_conciliares_.) 3677 Clergymen (1240 engaged in curacies) and the rest in seminaries, ecclesiastical cures, vicarages, &c. 5 Religious orders, owning 155 Monasteries; in which there were 1918 Monks; of whom 40 Served curacies and 106 Missions. In 47 of these monasteries there were more than twelve monks, and in thirty-nine there were less than five. 6 Colleges de Propaganda Fidé, containing 307 Clergymen; of whom 61 Served in missions. 2 Congregaciones, with 60 presbyters. 58 Convents; with 1931 Nuns, 622 Girls, 1475 Servants. SUMMARY OF ECCLESIASTICAL PERSONS. 7999 Clergymen, friars and nuns. 2097 Servants and girls in convents.