The phrase "to oppress the masses" means to unfairly and cruelly control, harm, or dominate a large group of people, often with the intention of keeping them from having power or rights. Full definition
In the progressive intellectual frame, there are only three kinds of Catholics: Unaccountable powerful men (who are quite probably libidinous and nefarious), ignorant and oppressed masses (preferably with colorful customs and heart - warming aspirations for self - betterment), and unexpectedly intelligent and altruistic people who are credits to the race (or to the religion, as it might be). (firstthings.com)
In this rough quantitative way we could see God taking the side of the oppressed masses against their exploiters in order to enhance his richness of experience. (religion-online.org)
For it is in working together to liberate the oppressed masses through critical social intervention, and to oppose tyrannical oppression like Nazism, that mutual trust and appreciation is engendered, and a common ground founded on our basic humanness opened.» (religion-online.org)