Several factors motivated the Spanish explorers and priests who accompanied the conquistadors to convert Native Americans to Christianity:
* Religious Beliefs and Mandate: They genuinely believed that Christianity was the one true religion and that it was their duty, as Christians, to spread the faith to all people. This was seen as fulfilling a divine mandate, based on interpretations of the Bible and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
* Papal Bulls and Royal Patronage: The Pope had granted Spain and Portugal the right to colonize and evangelize newly discovered lands in the Americas. This was formalized in papal bulls like the "Inter caetera" (1493), which essentially gave Spain the authority and responsibility to convert the indigenous populations. The Spanish monarchy, in turn, provided financial and political support for missionary activities through the *Patronato Real* (Royal Patronage).
* Saving Souls: They believed that conversion to Christianity was essential for salvation and that non-Christians were destined for eternal damnation. Therefore, converting Native Americans was seen as an act of charity and a way to save their souls from hell.
* Cultural Superiority: Many Spanish at the time believed in the superiority of European culture and religion. They saw Native American religions as primitive, pagan, and even demonic. Converting them to Christianity was thus seen as a way to "civilize" and "uplift" them.
* Political and Economic Control: Conversion was also intertwined with political and economic goals. By converting Native Americans, the Spanish could establish greater control over them, both spiritually and socially. Converted populations were more likely to obey Spanish laws and customs, facilitating the establishment of a colonial order.
* Justification for Conquest: Conversion was used as a justification for the conquest and colonization of the Americas. The Spanish argued that they were bringing the "true faith" to the New World, which legitimized their actions in the eyes of the Church and the Spanish crown.
It is important to note that the motivations of individual priests and conquistadors varied. Some were genuinely devout and committed to spreading the faith through peaceful means, while others were more interested in personal gain and used conversion as a tool for control and exploitation. Also some churchmen were vocal critics of the mistreatment of the natives, like Bartolomé de las Casas.