<P> In the early years most mission work was undertaken by the religious orders . Over time it was intended that a normal church structure would be established in the mission areas . The process began with the formation of special jurisdictions, known as apostolic prefectures and apostolic vicariates . These developing churches eventually graduated to regular diocesan status with the appointment of a local bishop . After decolonization, this process increased in pace as church structures altered to reflect new political - administrative realities . </P> <P> In 1341, a three - ship expedition sponsored by King Afonso IV of Portugal, set out from Lisbon for the Canary Islands . The expedition spent five months mapping the islands . This expedition became the basis of Portuguese claims to the islands . </P> <P> In 1344, the Castilian - French noble Luis de la Cerda (Count of Clermont and Admiral of France), and French ambassador to the papal court in Avignon, proposed to Pope Clement VI, conquering the islands and converting the native Guanches to Christianity . In November 1344, Clement VI issued the bull Tu devonitis sinceritas bestowing upon Luis de la Cerda the title of sovereign "Prince of Fortuna". Clement also urged the kings of Portugal and Castile to provide assistance to Cerda's expedition . The Portuguese king Afonso IV immediately lodged a protest, as did Alfonso XI of Castile . Preparations were delayed and no expedition was mounted before Cerda's death in 1348 . </P> <P> The raids and attacks of the Reconquista created captives on both sides, who were either ransomed or sold as slaves . During the dynastic wars of the 1370s, between Portugal and Castile, Portuguese and Castilian privateers made for the Canaries for shelter or slaving raids . </P>

What role did the roman catholic church played in the spanish empire in the new world