The Twelve Apostles of Mexico or Twelve Apostles of New Spain were a group of twelve Franciscan missionaries who arrived in the newly-founded Viceroyalty of New Spain in May 1524, with the goal of introducing its indigenous population to the Christian faith. The group consisted of Martín de Valencia (their leader), Francisco de Soto, Martín de Jesús, Juan Juárez, Antonio de Ciudad Rodrigo, Toribio de Benavente Motolinia, García de Cisneros, Luis de Fuensalida, Juan de Ribas, Francisco Jiménez, Andrés de Córdoba, and Juan de Palos.