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Religion
The Portuguese encountered the most varied religions and rituals previously unknown to Europeans, such as animism in Africa and Hinduism in India.
Years: 1415 — 1543
Throughout the period of the Discoveries, the Portuguese met the most varied religions and rituals previously unknown to them, such as animism in Africa and Hinduism in India. Such facts stimulated a vast movement of evangelization which, although beginning as early as the 15th century, only gained ecumenic projection. Several religious orders, particularly the Jesuits (from 1542) sent missionaries into all continents with the intention of converting to Catholicism all the peoples of the world.
The attitude of the Portuguese towards other religions differed. In the presence of exotic religions considered pagan, they showed relative tolerance in the hope of conversion. However, Portuguese reaction to Islam was marked by hostility.
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