Ο Benito Juárez (Benito Pablo Juárez García, 1806-1872) was President of Mexico and one of the most important figures in the country’s history. He was born in the Oaxaca region and belonged to the Zapotec Indian ethnic group. He developed into a powerful political figure and served as President of Mexico from 1858 to 1872. His presidency was marked by promoting the separation of the Church from the State, enacting constitutional reforms, and resisting the French invasion and imposition of Emperor Maximilian.

Juárez was also an active member of the Brotherhood of Freemasons, which had a significant influence on the Mexican political scene in the 19th century. In addition to his membership in the local lodge, the Freemasons advocated the separation of Church and State, as well as the promotion of education and civil and social liberties, issues that Juárez espoused.

He got a taste of the Mexican lodge Luz y Libertad (Light and Liberty), which was an important tectonic lodge in Oaxaca and where he rose to the highest rank of Master Mason.

Despite his difficult social background, Juárez rose through his political and tectonic networking, winning the position of President of the Republic of Mexico. His tenure marked the era of reforms that shaped modern Mexico.

His admission to Freemasonry was a decisive factor in shaping his political philosophy, as many of the Masonic principles he followed, such as liberty, equality and fraternity, are consistent with the reforms he implemented during his presidency. Freemasonry helped him build a network of supporters and consolidate his power during the turbulent years of the War of the Reforms and the French Intervention.

He died on 18 July 1872 in Mexico City of natural causes. His legacy, both as a Freemason and as a political leader, has left a lasting impact on Mexican society.