José Luis Gago de Val

José Luis Gago del Val, OP (4 July 1934 – 22 December 2012) was a Spanish Dominican friar, journalist and writer. He was one of the founders and directors of Cadena COPE, where he made highly rated and socially influential programmes, such as La linterna and La mañana. He also collaborated with other written and audiovisual media, such as the newspaper ABC, the magazine Ecclesia and the channel Trece. In Spain, he is called "the saint of radio".

Biography Early life Gago was born on 4 July 1934 in Palencia. At the age of 10, he surprised his parents by expressing his desire to become a Dominican friar. His parents eventually supported him, letting him train at the monastery of Corias in altar serving, music and studies. There he demonstrated his entrepreneurial character and his media vocation. He created a radio academy for students, and in La voz de Palencia he established the space for thought Dominus tecum for the closing of broadcasts. When he was dying, his last words were: "Do not cry, all joy and happiness."

On 23 May 2023, Gago's remains were transferred to Iglesia de San Pablo in Valladolid. They were placed in the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament inside the Church. On 19 June 2021, the diocesan inventigation was opened by Archbishop Ricardo Blázquez, in which he noted: "The beatification process will move forward because there is evidence of his saintliness."