SPAIN (JTA) — Spanish Jewish leaders are criticizing a proposal by Catholic officials to have Queen Isabella declared a saint.

"It's surprising that someone who we in the 21st century consider to be a symbol of intolerance and the cause of much suffering should be presented as a person to be emulated," said Carlos Schorr, secretary-general of the Federation of Spanish Jewish Communities.

Isabella and her husband, King Ferdinand, expelled all Jews from Spain in 1492 and established the Spanish Inquisition.