María Petrona Mori Cortés, mother of Porfirio Díaz,

María Petrona Mori Cortés, the mother of Porfirio Díaz, was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, and played an important, though often overlooked, role in the early life of one of Mexico’s most influential and controversial leaders. She was of indigenous Zapotec descent, and she came from a modest background. Her relationship with Díaz’s father, José de la Cruz Díaz, was brief, and after his departure, María Petrona raised her son in poverty.

She did her best to support her children and provided Porfirio with the tools he needed to succeed, despite their challenging circumstances. Díaz’s early experiences with hardship and his close relationship with his mother would shape his future aspirations. María Petrona was a significant influence on him, offering both emotional support and practical guidance as he navigated his youth.

As Porfirio Díaz grew older, he joined the military, which eventually led to his rise in Mexican politics. Though María Petrona did not live to see her son's full ascent to power, she remains an important figure in understanding the personal background of Díaz, who would become president of Mexico for several decades. Her role as his mother in his formative years shaped his character and determination throughout his life.