Samuel Ruiz García was a renowned Mexican Roman Catholic prelate who left an indelible mark on the Diocese of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, serving as its bishop from 1959 to 1999.
Throughout his illustrious tenure, Ruiz is particularly distinguished for his pivotal role as a mediator during the tumultuous conflict between the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) and the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI),a Mexican political party that had dominated the country's political landscape for over seven decades.
The PRI's policies often disproportionately affected the indigenous populations of Chiapas, exacerbating their already dire circumstances. Inspired by the principles of Liberation Theology, which gained traction within the Roman Catholic Church in Latin America in the 1960s, Ruiz's diocese made a significant impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of indigenous Maya people in Chiapas.
These marginalized communities, who were among Mexico's poorest, found solace and support in Ruiz's diocese, which worked tirelessly to improve their socio-economic conditions and promote their rights.
As a testament to his dedication and compassion, Ruiz's legacy continues to be felt in Chiapas, where his efforts to empower and uplift the indigenous population remain a beacon of hope and a reminder of the importance of social justice and human dignity.
