Junípero Serra

Junípero Serra was a Spanish Catholic priest and missionary known as the Apostle of California for his missionary work among the Indians of North America.

Religious Leader

November 24, 1713

August 28, 1784

70

Junípero Serra, a Spanish Catholic priest and missionary, is renowned for his 18th-century efforts in founding missions in California. He established nine of the 21 missions in the region, including Mission San Juan Capistrano, and significantly contributed to advancing Spanish colonization. Serra also played a crucial role in setting up the Presidio of San Francisco and documented his missionary experiences through letters and journals. In 2015, Pope Francis canonized Serra as a saint. Often referred to as the Apostle of California, he is recognized for his dedicated work with the Native American population in North America.