What were the Catholic Church's primary aims in the New World?

The Catholic Church's primary aims in the New World were evangelisation, conversion of indigenous peoples, and expansion of its influence.

The Catholic Church, particularly through the Spanish and Portuguese empires, played a significant role in the exploration and colonisation of the New World. The Church's primary aims were centred around the propagation of the Christian faith, the conversion of indigenous peoples, and the expansion of its influence and power.

Evangelisation was a key objective. The Church believed it had a divine mandate to spread Christianity to the unconverted peoples of the New World. This was often carried out by missionaries, who would travel to newly discovered lands to preach the Gospel. They established missions, schools, and hospitals, aiming to integrate indigenous communities into the Christian faith. This was not only a religious endeavour but also a cultural one, as the Church sought to replace indigenous beliefs and practices with European Christian norms.

The conversion of indigenous peoples was another major aim. The Church viewed the indigenous populations as souls to be saved. Conversion was seen as a means of saving these souls from what the Church perceived as pagan beliefs and practices. This often involved coercive methods, including the use of force and the threat of eternal damnation. The Church also used more peaceful means, such as education and charity, to persuade indigenous peoples to convert.

The expansion of the Church's influence and power was also a significant aim. The Church sought to establish itself as the dominant religious and moral authority in the New World. This was achieved through the establishment of dioceses, the appointment of bishops, and the construction of churches and cathedrals. The Church also sought to influence the political and social structures of the New World, often aligning itself with the colonial powers to achieve this.

In summary, the Catholic Church's primary aims in the New World were evangelisation, conversion, and expansion of influence. These aims were pursued through a combination of religious, cultural, and political strategies, reflecting the Church's complex role in the colonisation of the New World.