Who was the priest known for advocating for the rights of the Mesoamerican people?

Bartolomé de las Casas is recognized for his significant advocacy for the rights of Mesoamerican people, particularly in the context of the Spanish colonization. As a Spanish Dominican friar, he initially participated in the colonization efforts but later became an outspoken critic of the mistreatment and brutal exploitation of indigenous populations. De las Casas argued firmly against the encomienda system, which allowed colonists to extract labor and tribute from native populations, often leading to severe abuses.

His writings, most notably "A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies," detailed the atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples and called for their humane treatment and protection. He fervently believed in the need for reform and recognized the dignity and rights of the Mesoamerican people, making him an early proponent of human rights in the Americas. His efforts contributed to some changes in policies regarding how natives were treated, though the overall impact of Spanish colonization on these populations remained devastating.