Sousa sailed for Brazil with six ships, soldiers, and one thousand citizens and missionaries. His objectives were to fend off French pirates and evangelize local Indians in the name of Christianity with the goal of strengthening Portugal's royal power in Brazil. Among the colonists were six Jesuits, the first in Brazil, whom he assisted in the
Christianization of the natives and helped to reaffirm the King's rule over the colonies. Sousa's relationship with
Manuel da Nóbrega and the Jesuit missionaries allowed him to keep watch on other territories and Indians. Along with those he brought, Sousa made land grants to other settlers now that the territory was better protected. He was successful in decreasing the hostilities waged against the colonists by native people, in part through diplomatic avenues but primarily through his use of cruel and often extreme punishment. Along with Christianization, Sousa established days of market to encourage trade between settlers and Indians. Throughout his time in office, Sousa fortified Portuguese territories and established new communities with churches and schools. He introduced livestock and established sugarcane production. He is also credited for establishing the first bishopric of Brazil with Dom Pero Fernandes Sardinha. In 1553, Sousa worked far outside of his own territory of Salvador. Sousa strengthened the economy and defenses of São Vicente. He also went on to establish the village of Itanhaém. That year, Sousa ventured home, leaving Salvador in the hands of Duarte da Costa. ==Return to Portugal==