Didn’t you read the article, this was international and has been going on for centuries in the Roman Catholic church at the orders of headquarters.
This was official business, a part of the faith, a part of how that denomination practices the Christian religion.
Look at this thread, many Catholics are in high praise of this form of worship in their church, it is seen by Catholics here as it would have been seen centuries ago when it was started.
It’s very true: I find these skeletons works of art. The Catholic Church’s contributions to Western art can never be underestimated. Now, I can see how some people who don’t travel widely from the US might be shocked at these photos. But you can see these kind of artifacts from Mexico clear to Italy (and probably beyond). They are part of Western culture and as a conservative who hopes (against all reality) that that culture continues, I admire their high artistry.
Yes, the practice was once fairly common, but Animal can be excused because it is now exotic. But frankly, I’m proud of that history, not ashamed. These Catholics had plenty of jewels, but jewels cannot feed people, or cure the sick. They could be sold to other kings, but that’s only passing on the evil of vanity, encouraging some other king to trade useful sustenance for vanity. Rather, they glorified not their own bodies, but the memories of those who were now glorified by Christ.