Vatican City - The Vatican has condemned what it called growing "neo-marxist" influence in Latin America which threatens the Roman Catholic Church.
The Synod of Bishops for America said it was worried by the "development of an ideological tendency, often a neo-marxist inspiration," that was influencing Latin American countries’ home and international relations.
The Vatican Synod met on October 9-10 to examine the social and ecclesiastical developments in the Americas.
Neo-marxism "looks to ignore the Catholic church and not recognise it as a partner in social dialogue," said the statement.
The Vatican body was also disturbed by the "a series of laws contrary to ethical norms" including abortion and euthanasia, which "did not conform to Christian values."
Last spring Mexican bishops, supported by Pope Benedict XVI, threatened Mexico City lawmakers with excommunication if they voted to decriminalise abortion in the country’s capital.
The Synod also condemned "the production of drugs and drug trafficking, violence, and political corruption."
The Bishops praised the "hopeful economic development in different countries," calling on a more efficient distribution of riches and natural resources.
The Synod is a consultative body that advises the Pope, who has called a general synod of bishops from across the world in October 2008.