Pope Benedict assails Marxism, capitalism at end of Brazil tour

Pope Benedict lamented the deep divide between rich and poor in Latin America but told priests to steer clear of politics as they work to reverse Roman Catholism's waning influence in the region.

Wrapping up five-day visit to Brazil, the 80-year-old pontiff denounced Marxism in an hour-long speech Sunday opening a 19-day conference of Latin American bishops in the shrine city of Aparecida.

"The Marxist system, where it found its way into government, not only left a sad heritage of economic and ecological destruction, but also a painful destruction of the human spirit," the pope said.