Samuel Ruiz, Voice of the Voiceless

Don Samuel Ruiz Garcia, bishop of San Cristobal de las Casas, played a critical role in bringing justice to the demands and lifting the social status of the indigenous people of Latin America. Don Samuel initiated a social change that gradually developed recognition of and respect for the cultural identity of the indigenous people. The extensive network of catechists under his guidance initiated social and political awareness among the indigenous people. The creation of the Fray Bartolome de las Casas Human Rights Center in 1989 was another outstanding work of Garcia.