GABRIEL GARCÍA MORENO. — South American statesman, b. Dec. 24, 1821, at Guayaquil, d. Aug. 6, 1875, at Quito. He studied at the University of Quito and while still young took an active part in the political life of Ecuador. A friend of President Noboa, he secured the readmission of the Jesuits into the country, who had been expelled in the time of Charles III, King of Spain. Persecuted by Urbina, leader of the radicals, who had revolted and declared Noboa deposed and the Jesuits driven out, G. remained abroad for some time.
Returning to his homeland, after a hard struggle he was elected President of the Republic. Deeply Catholic, he concerned himself with the education and welfare of the people and invited religious from various Orders, both male and female, from France to found schools and hospitals. He also concluded a concordat with the Holy See (Nov. 20, 1863) which secured for the Church a just juridical position. While all other powers remained silent, Ecuador alone lodged a vigorous protest against the occupation of Rome in 1870. His life was a continual battle against adverse political forces tending toward secularization, and for this G. was the object of deep hatred by his enemies, who had him assassinated at the entrance of Quito cathedral. After his death, Congress decreed him the title of "Regenerator of the Fatherland" and "Martyr of Catholic Civilization."