Why did de las casas call the native Americans a pitiful nation?

Bartolomé de las Casas referred to Native Americans as a "pitiful nation" due to their vulnerability and the harsh treatment they faced from Spanish colonizers. He was deeply moved by their suffering, exploitation, and the violence inflicted upon them, which he believed was unjust and inhumane. De las Casas advocated for their rights and sought to protect them, viewing their plight as a moral and ethical concern that needed to be addressed. His writings aimed to highlight their humanity and the need for compassion and justice.