Slavery

<p>Just five years later, Nicholas V legalized the enslavement of African “infidels” with the resulting human-trafficking profits “fees” continuing to go to the Catholic Church.

He issued “Dum Diversas” (18 June 1452) authorizing King Alfonso V of Portugal to:

“<em>attack, conquer, and <strong>subjugate</strong> Saracens, pagans and other enemies of Christ wherever they may be found.</em>”

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What this means is –</p>

<h3 >ANY&nbsp;non-Christians were now reduced to the status of slaves.</h3>

<p >&nbsp;</p>

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What was the excuse Nicholas gave for this human-trafficking?

“… many Guineamen and other negroes, <strong>taken by force</strong>, and some by barter of unprohibited articles, or by other lawful contract of purchase, <strong>have been … converted to the Catholic faith</strong>, and it is hoped, by the help of divine mercy, that if such progress be continued with them, either those peoples will be converted to the faith or at least the souls of many of them <strong>will be gained for</strong> Christ.”

For their ‘success’ along these lines, Nicholas V then rewarded the Portuguese with a trade monopoly for newly discovered areas.

That <em>trade</em> – such an innocuous word – <strong>included human-trafficking</strong>, you understand.</p>