Spanish statesman and archbishop, the enemy of Columbus; born in Toro in 1451. As dean of Seville, he opposed Columbus, and later, as bishop of Rosanna and privy councilor to Ferdinand, took advantage of his position to reduce the power of Columbus, and to attempt to wreck the West Indian colonial enterprises. He was known as a man of remarkable brilliancy and of a vicious nature. He directed the slaughter of the Indians, and interfered with all colonizing expeditions. His power was broken by Charles V., but, through his priests, he continued his obstructive policy. He died in Burgos on the 4th of March 1524.
