During the conquest and establishment of colonies in Latin America, the Catholic Church saw an opportunity to expand its influence by converting Native Americans to Christians. Concerning Kolumba himself, during the conquest, he was known for cruelty to indigenous peoples, using violence and slavery. It was a time of increasing international trafficking in slaves, so that Columbus and his men enslaved many Native Americans by extorting violence and brutality. That is why Catholic priests were harsh critics, as Columbus enslaved many Native Americans.
