WHO: Retired Chiapas Roman Catholic Bishop, Samuel Ruiz

WHAT: Will speak at DePaul University today about the human rights situation in Chiapas, Mexico. He will also discuss the state of the indigenous communities.

WHEN: 5 p.m.,October 23, 2002

WHERE: DePaul Center, Music Mart, Lower Level, 1 E. Jackson Blvd.

BACKGROUND:A three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee and recipient of numerous human rights awards, Bishop Samuel Ruiz began his pastoral work in the indigenous communities of Mexico, visiting every town and village in his diocese in the jungles and highlands of Chiapas. Often arriving on horseback, he always learned and respected the culture and ways of his 78 percent indigenous population. In 1974, he and others called the first indigenous congress of Chiapas, bringing together 2000 indigenous delegates, from which began the long movement of self-realization and organization.

Ordained a priest in 1949, Ruiz studied at the Gregorian University in Rome. He arrived in Chiapas in 1959 at a time when the indigenous were not allowed to walk on the sidewalks and the whole diocese numbered a dozen priests. On the occasion of his retirement in 1999, 300 religious leaders from 26 countries (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist) issued a statement called “Choose Life” honoring Ruiz for “40 years of prophetic and pastoral ministry.

Note to Editors: Reporters wishing to arrange interviews with Ruiz should call Valerie Phillips at 312/362-5039 (office); 312/330-3155 (cell) or Len Cavise at 312/362-6841.