Bartolomé de Las Casas was a 16th century Spanish priest who became known as a "Defender and Apostle" of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. He underwent a conversion experience after hearing a sermon condemning the cruel treatment of natives by Spanish colonists. From then on, he fought for native rights and was appointed Bishop of Chiapas to advocate for indigenous communities. Through his writings highlighting atrocities against natives and debates defending their basic humanity, Las Casas sought to establish protections for native populations, though new laws enacted in their favor were later repealed due to colonial resistance. His works provided detailed accounts that spread awareness of mistreatment and challenged claims of native subhumanity.