How was Christianity involved in the age of discovery?

During the Age of Discovery, Christianity played a significant role as European powers sought to expand their empires and spread their religious beliefs. Explorers like Christopher Columbus and Vasco da Gama were often motivated by the desire to convert indigenous populations to Christianity, viewing their missions as a divine mandate. This led to the establishment of missions in newly discovered territories, where missionaries aimed to evangelize and educate local peoples. However, this often accompanied colonization and exploitation, raising complex ethical questions about the legacy of these interactions.