Anacleto González Flores (1888–1927) was a Mexican lawyer, writer, and Catholic activist known for his leadership in the Cristero War, a conflict between the Catholic faithful and the anti-clerical Mexican government in the 1920s. Born in Tepatitlán, Jalisco, he grew up in a devout Catholic family and initially pursued the priesthood before deciding to study law. As a lay leader, he became an influential voice in the Catholic opposition to the government’s persecution of the Church, advocating for peaceful resistance and legal defense rather than armed conflict. He was a key figure in the formation of the Liga Nacional Defensora de la Libertad Religiosa (National League for the Defense of Religious Liberty), which sought to protect religious freedom through nonviolent means.

Despite his preference for peaceful resistance, González Flores was arrested by the government on charges of inciting rebellion during the Cristero War. On April 1, 1927, after enduring brutal torture, he was executed by firing squad in Guadalajara, offering his life as a martyr for his faith. His final words, “I die, but God does not die!”, became a rallying cry for those fighting for religious freedom. His courage and unwavering faith made him a revered figure among Mexican Catholics, and his legacy endures as a symbol of resistance against religious persecution.

In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI beatified Anacleto González Flores, recognizing him as a martyr of the Church. His beatification was part of a broader recognition of the Cristero martyrs, who gave their lives in defense of religious liberty. Today, he is remembered not only for his legal and intellectual contributions but also for his deep spirituality and commitment to justice.