Jose Maria Teclo Morelos y Pavon (September 30, 1765, Valladolid, now Morelia, Michoacan – December 22, 1815, San Cristobal Ecatepec, State of Mexico) was a Mexican Roman Catholic priest and revolutionary rebel leader who led the Mexican War of Independence movement, assuming its leadership after the execution of Miguel Hidalgo in 1811.

Mexico (1977) 20 Pesos (front) - Portrait of Jose Maria Teclo Morelos y Pavon

He was later captured by the Spanish colonial authorities and executed for treason in 1815. Morelos showed himself to be a talented strategist, and became one of the greatest revolutionary military commanders of the war. In his first nine months, he won 22 victories, annihilating the armies of three Spanish royalist leaders and dominating almost all of what is now the state of Guerrero. In December, he captured Acapulco for the first time, except for the fortress of San Diego. Spanish reinforcements forced him to raise the siege in January. By quick marches, he was able to capture most of the Spanish possessions on the Pacific coast of what are now Michoacan and Guerrero. On May 24, 1811 he occupied Chilpancingo and on May 26 he took Tixtla.

Shortly thereafter, Morelos began his fourth military campaign, a series of disasters beginning at Valladolid in late 1813. While escorting the new insurgent Congress in November 1815, he was defeated in Tezmalaca. He was taken prisoner and brought to Mexico City in chains. He was trialed and executed for treason. Jose María Morelos y Pavon was executed by firing squad on December 22, 1815 in San Cristobal Ecatepec, near Mexico City. After his death, his lieutenant, Vicente Guerrero, continued the war of independence.

A 40-meter statue of Jose Maria Morelos, started in 1933 is found at an island's highest point i.e Janitzio, main island of Lake Patzcuaro in the state of Michoacan, Mexico. For about 6 pesos, one can climb to the top of the statue by way of a staircase that spirals up the inside. Along the interior walls, the life of Morelos is depicted in murals painted by Ramon Alba de la Canal and other great Mexican muralists. At the top, one can peer through peepholes in the giant raised fist of Morelos, giving a spectacular view of the island, lake and surroundings.

Morelos is national hero of Mexico. In his honour, the state of Morelos and city of Morelia is named after him.

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