The Communist regime in Romania (1947-1989) under the Romanian Communist Party transformed the nation through nationalization, collectivization, and centralized planning, culminating in the oppressive and nationalistic rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu. Heavily Influenced by the Soviet Union initially, Ceaușescu's regime, while exhibiting some foreign policy independence, intensified internal repression and cultivated a pervasive cult of personality, leading to economic hardship and widespread discontent among the populace.

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Religion, particularly Christianity, faced significant oppression under the communist ideology of atheism. While the dominant Romanian Orthodox church maintained a public presence, it was heavily controlled and often collaborated with the state in exchange for limited privileges. Enduring sever restrictions, surveillance by the Securitate, and persecution of believers, with many Romanian churches being forcibly dissolved, their properties confiscated. Yet many Romanians continued to practice their faith privately, contributing to the eventual societal yearning for freedom that fueled the 1989 revolution.

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The Romanian Revolution of December 1989 marked a violent end to the 42 years of communist rule under Nicolae Ceaușescu. Triggered by protest in Timișoara against the eviction of a Hungarian Reformed Church pastor, the unrest quickly spread  nationwide, fueled by the widespread discontent over economic hardship and political and spiritual repression. The army eventually sided with the protesters, and after a brief but bloody period of street fighting, Ceaușescu and his wife were captured, tried, and executed on Christmas Day, a pivotal moment broadcast on national television that symbolized the collapse of the communist regime.

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Although experiencing political instability and social challenges, including a violent intervention by coal miners in Bucharest against anti-government protests, Romania embarked on a path towards democracy and a market economy, adopting a new constitution in 1991 and holding its first free elections. The 1990s saw the gradual development of multi-party politics and privatization of state-owned enterprises, though the transition was often complex and marked by corruption.

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The fall of communism brought a sifnigicant resurgence of Christianity in Romania. The Romanian Orthodox Church reclaimed its prominent societal role and experienced a revival in religios practice. The Romanian Greek Catholic Church, banned under the communist regime, was re-established, and other Christian denominations also gained newfound freedom to practice and grow. While religious freedom is constitutionally protected, the Orthodox Church continues to hold a privileged position, and the relationship between church and state remains an important aspect of Romania's post-communist development, influencing social values and national identity to the present day.