Transparent Background Behind Text

Site URL: http://confluence.international

I'm hoping to somehow improve the readability of the text on the opening page of the site I just started.

I'd like for the mission statement ("Confluence International is an Amsterdam-based...") to have, for instance, a transparent background so that it stands out a little more easily against the image behind it. I found some CSS codes that almost work, but apparently they do not work on a cover page? Ideally the opacity would also have blurred or rounded/softened edges, to blend in, rather than a blocky/square like this.

Any tips? 

Your color code is incorrect so Squarespace can't render

Try adding this new code

div#block-fe48717afa28aee9ca92 {
    background-color: rgba(0,0,0,0.5);
    padding: 5px;
}