The Miami Herald quotes Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center Deputy Director Jason Marczak on the objectives of Pope Francis’ recent visit to Latin America:
In many parts of Latin America, the Catholic Church is still perceived as an elitist organization — more interested in ministering to the wealthy few and the impoverished masses, said Jason Marczak, the deputy director of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center at the Atlantic Council.
“This trip has been very much focused on helping the poor, the impoverished and the disenfranchised to gain their rights in society, which have been lacking for a long time,” he said. “[Francis] is fundamentally changing the way the church is perceived and how people can relate to the church.”