Ο Francisco Santander (Francisco José de Paula Santander y Omaña, 1792-1840) was one of Latin America’s most prominent leaders during independence from Spain. He was born in Colombia and played an important role in the liberation struggle against Spanish colonialism, serving as a general and political leader. In 1819, after victory at the Battle of Bayakibo, he was instrumental in the creation of the Greater Colombia, which included Colombia, Panama, Ecuador and Venezuela. He later served as president of Grand Colombia (1819-1827) and later as president of New Granada (present-day Colombia) from 1832 to 1837, after the dissolution of Grand Colombia.

However, his political career was affected by internal conflicts and disagreements with other leaders in the region.

Regarding his identity as a Freemason, Santander was indeed a member of the Brotherhood. His membership in the Brotherhood contributed to his revolutionary actions, and many of the leaders of independence in Latin America were also members.

The lodges were often planning centres for independence movements and many revolutionary leaders were Freemasons who shared ideals of freedom and equality. Santander’s involvement helped form relationships with other leaders of independence movements, both in Colombia and in other countries.

Santander remains an iconic figure in Colombian and Latin American history and his legacy as a soldier and political leader is widely recognised.

He died on 2 April 1792 in Bogota.