Despite the claims of the Europeans, there were still many protests regarding the exploration of the New World. Royal and religious leaders also questioned their methods of expansion. The then king of Spain, Charles V, and the pope, Pope Paul III, publicly disapproved of many actions of the conquistadors towards the natives (Las Casas 3). Furthermore, Bartolomé de Las Casas stated: “Long before they heard the word Spanish, they had properly organized states, wisely ordered by excellent laws, religions and customs” (3). Europeans who opposed the harsh treatment of the Indians believed that the conquistadors were not exploring the New World for the purpose of spreading Christianity. In the words of Las Casas, conquistadors tended to “behave like thieves, murderers and pillagers…to drive the kindest people to despair ».”