Pope Francis defends indigenous groups in Peru

The pontiff condemned corruption in Latin America and said environmental degradation cannot be separated from moral degradation.

Pope Francis has called for the protection of indigenous people while visiting the heart of Peru’s Amazon forest.

The head of the Catholic Church condemned the exploitation of timber, gas and gold in the area, which he said is endangering native Peruvians.

He said native Peruvians have never been more threatened and urged the government to recognise their culture.

Al Jazeera’s Mariana Sanchez reports from Madre de Dios, Peru.