Illegally downloading films is a "sinful" activity that breaches the Ten Commandments, Spain's most senior bishops have warned.

In a paper that will be presented this weekend, the Spanish Episcopal Conference laments a “moral indifference” to such crimes among Spaniards.

Illegal streaming of licenced material or buying pirate copies of movies in the street constitutes a double sin, according to the paper.

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The illegal consumer “commits a sin against the seventh commandment which says ‘Thou shalt not steal”, the synod paper reads, adding that “the desire to possess others’ goods above all limitations and rights is related to the tenth commandment which forbids covetousness”.

The paper also argues that creative activity deserves special protection against theft as it “allows society to advance” as opposed to simple industrial production.

A report released by a culture industry pressure group a year ago found that 88 per cent of content consumed online by Spaniards was illegally obtained.

“The levels of piracy in Spain are overwhelming,” said Creators Coalition director Carlota Navarrete.

“That’s why we are asking for illegal sites to be blocked to the same extent as they are in France, Italy and Germany."