But the Pan-Amazon Synod’s organizers say much of the unhappiness with the its working document simply reflects Eurocentricism. Many critics “have little knowledge of the Amazon and in some cases have no commitment to its people.”

The first Latino pope and Hispanic Heritage Month

In all three countries, Pope Francis pleaded for protection of the environment. Mining by foreign companies to extract precious minerals has been a major problem in Madagascar and Mozambique. In Madagascar, deforestation is especially a threat.

Some 40 percent of the U.S. Catholic community has a Hispanic background and that “more than 50 percent of the Catholics in the United States under the age of 18 are Hispanic.”

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” the hosts discuss new comments by the Superior General of the Society of Jesus about Pope Francis’ critics.

In his general audience at the Vatican on Sept. 18, Pope Francis explained that the Catholic Church will endure, despite the frailty and sins of its members, because it is God's project.