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(NewsNation) — Newly crowned Miss Universe Fatima Bosch of Mexico is a devout Catholic who is not shy about expressing her faith.
Immediately after her coronation on November 20 in Thailand, Bosch made the sign of the cross and pointed to the sky.
Bosch has frequently used the phrase “Viva Cristo Rey,” or “long live Christ,” in public. That phrase has deep historical roots in Mexico as the battle cry of the Catholic rebels, known as the Cristeros, during the persecution of the Catholic Church in the 1920s. It represents a powerful expression of faith, a willingness to sacrifice for one’s beliefs and a declaration of allegiance to God over the state.
“Today I confirmed once again that what God has destined for you – neither envy can stop it, nor fate can abort it, nor luck can change it. Long live Christ the King,” Bosch said on social media after her win.
The Mexican beauty queen has expressed her devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, often posting images on her social media of the Virgin who, according to Catholic tradition, appeared as an Indigenous woman to Juan Diego, also Indigenous, and spoke to him in the Nahuatl language.
Miss Universe contest marred by controversy
The Miss Universe contest was marred by controversy, including a sharp-tongued scolding of the Mexican contestant, Bosch, which sparked a walkout and a melodramatic apology from the local organizer who set it all off.
At the sashing ceremony on November 4, Thai national director Nawat Itsaragrisil scolded Bosch for allegedly not following his guidelines. He called security when she spoke up to defend herself.
Bosch walked out of the room, joined by several others in a show of solidarity, including Miss Universe 2024, Victoria Kjaer Theilvig of Denmark.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – NOVEMBER 21: Miss Universe delegates celebrating and congratulating 74th Miss Universe Fatima Bosch after crowned by Reigning Miss Universe Victoria during final competition at Impact Challenger Hall on November 21, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo by Mohan Raj/Getty Images) 
TOPSHOT – Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch walks on stage during the 2025 Miss Universe national costume presentation in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok on November 19, 2025. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images) 
Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch celebrates winning the 2025 Miss Universe pageant in Nonthaburi, north of Bangkok, in Nonthaburi province, Thailand, Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit) 
Fatima Bosch Fernández of Mexico (Center) is celebrated after winning the title of Miss Universe 2025 (74th edition) at the final competition held at IMPACT Challenger Hall 2 in Nonthaburi, Thailand.(Photo by Arnun Chonmahatrakool/Thai News Pix/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Who is Fatima Bosch?
Bosch, who was Miss Mexico, was born in Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico, according to the Miss Universe organization. The 25-year-old studied fashion and design at Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico and battled dyslexia and ADHD during her school years, according to the Latin Times.
On social media, Bosch explained her purpose for competing for Miss Universe.
“My purpose in this life is to serve. That is the reason I am in Miss Universe, to let my voice bring light to every corner where there has only been darkness. Beyond the crown, I seek to inspire, to heal, and to transform lives. Because if I can touch one heart, ignite one voice, or plant faith where there was once silence, then I will have fulfilled my true purpose,” she wrote.