Research Guides: Doctrine of Discovery: About the Doctrine

The Doctrine of Discovery established a spiritual, political, and legal justification for colonization and seizure of land not inhabited by Christians. Foundational elements of the Doctrine of Discovery can be found in a series of papal bulls, or decrees, beginning in the 1100s, which included sanctions, enforcements, authorizations, expulsions, admonishments, excommunications, denunciations, and expressions of territorial sovereignty for Christian monarchs supported by the Catholic Church.

Vatican Formally Repudiates 'Doctrine of Discovery' used to justify colonization
On March 30, 2023, the Vatican finally rejected the Doctrine of Discovery as 'not part of the teaching of the Church'.
The Long March to Rome
"We undertake the Long March to Rome to remember the countless millions of indigenous worldwide who for 500 years have suffered and died through the wars, forced resettlement, disease and conquest justified by two papal orders or bulls, called Romanus Pontifex (1455) issued by Pope Nicholas V and Inter Caetera (1493) pronounced by Pope Alexander VI. ...."
Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery
"The Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery Coalition is a group of Anabaptist leaders who work together to mobilize church communities to dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery."
Undigenous Catholic Research Fellowship
"To unite in fellowship, prayerful scholarship, research collaboration, public communication and education; to mentor and support younger scholars and leaders; to effectively serve the Church, Indigenous peoples and the wider society;..."

Related to the topic:

USCCB Subcommittee on Native American Affairs
The Mission of the Subcommittee of Native American Affairs is to enhance the relationship of the Catholic Native American/Alaska Native communities with Jesus Christ and His Church in the United States.
Indian Country Today

Related articles:

Historical Documents

The Bull Romanus Pontifex (Nicholas V), January 8, 1455.
Pope Alexander VI, “Inter Caetera,” May 4, 1493.
Discovery, as originally conceived in Pope Alexander VI’s 1493 papal bull, granted the Spanish exclusive interests in the Americas.
Johnson & Graham's Lessee v. McIntosh, 21 U.S. 543 (1823)
Chief Justice John Marshall, in a case without any Native parties, declared that in relations between colonizing powers and indigenous nations, the doctrine affirmed that tribal nations were the “rightful occupants of the soil,” and acknowledged that they had “a legal as well as just claim to retain possession of it, and to use it according to their discretion.”
United Nations General Assembly resolution 61/295. United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (13 September 2007