José Luis Sánchez del Río was born on March 28, 1913, in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico. At the age of 14, he joined the Cristero movement, a group of Catholics resisting the anti-Catholic persecution during the Cristero War. Despite his youth, José was determined to defend his faith and the rights of the Church. He was captured by government forces and, after enduring severe torture, was martyred on February 10, 1928, at the age of 14.

José's cause for canonization was initiated in 2005, and he was beatified on November 20, 2005, by Pope Benedict XVI. He was canonized on October 16, 2016, by Pope Francis. His feast day is celebrated on February 10.

Pope Francis, during José's canonization, remarked, "José Sánchez del Río, a young martyr, is an example of fidelity to Christ and the Church."