In 1571, the establishment of the Mexican Inquisition marked the extension of the Spanish Inquisition's reach into New Spain, targeting crypto-Jews, indigenous practices, and alleged sorcery. This institution aimed to enforce religious orthodoxy and suppress dissent, reflecting the broader efforts of the Catholic Church to maintain control in colonial territories. The Mexican Inquisition had lasting impacts on religious practices and cultural identities in the region.

The establishment of the Mexican Inquisition in 1571 significantly influenced colonial Latin American literature, blending indigenous and Christian motifs. Poets of this era often addressed themes of persecution and cultural identity, reflecting the complexities of colonialism and the struggle for self-expression.