José María Morelos y Pavón (30 September 1765 – 22 December 1815) was a Mexican Roman Catholic priest and revolutionary rebel leader. He led the Mexican War of Independence movement. He led the movement after the execution of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1811. He was later captured by the Spanish colonial authorities. He was executed for treason in 1815, in San Cristóbal Ecatepec.