The Vatican issued a statement in which it denied the “doctrine of discovery,” which protected the colonization of America and Africa from the 15th century on. This doctrine, supported by papal bulls, justified the conquest “in the name of God” by powers such as Spain and Portugal. The communiqué recognizes that the doctrine is not part of the teachings of the Catholic Church and that the papal bulls were manipulated to justify immoral acts against the indigenous populations.
It also apologizes for past mistakes and the terrible effects of assimilation policies, and recognizes the equal dignity and rights of indigenous peoples.
The communiqué stresses the need to uphold the dignity of all human beings and to appreciate their own cultures. It also underlines the respect due to every human being and repudiates concepts that do not recognize the intrinsic human rights of indigenous peoples.
Portuguese Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendoça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, stated that the doctrine was not part of the teaching of the Catholic Church and that with this document it is repudiated.
In conclusion, the Vatican has recognized the errors of the past and disavowed the “doctrine of discovery,” which justified the colonization of America and Africa in the name of God. It has also recognized the equal dignity and rights of indigenous peoples and stressed the need to defend the dignity of all human beings and appreciate their own cultures.