Junipero Serra was a Spanish Franciscan missionary who played a significant role in the establishment of missions in California during the 18th century. Born in 1713 in Majorca, Spain, he dedicated his life to spreading Christianity among the Native American populations. Serra founded nine of the 21 California missions, including the famous Mission San Diego de Alcalá, which was the first mission in the state. Serra's work helped shape California's history and culture, but it also sparked debates about the impact of colonization on indigenous peoples. He was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 2015, highlighting his religious significance while also raising questions about his legacy.