Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin was a 16th-century indigenous man from the Nahuatl people in Mexico. He is best known for his role in the Guadalupe apparitions, where he reported seeing the Virgin Mary in December 1531. This event is significant in Catholic history and has made him a prominent figure in Mexican culture. Juan Diego was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II in 2002. His feast day is celebrated on December 9, commemorating his contributions to the spread of Christianity among the indigenous population. His story symbolizes the blending of indigenous and Catholic traditions in Mexico.