The Armenian Catholic community around the world is filled with joy and gratitude as Pope Francis has officially paved the way for the canonization of Blessed Ignatius Maloyan. This historic announcement brings pride and spiritual renewal to Armenian Catholics, who have long honored Archbishop Maloyan as a martyr and a steadfast witness to the faith.
Born in 1869 in Mardin, in what is now southeastern Turkey, Maloyan was ordained a priest in 1883 in Lebanon. He adopted the name Ignatius and became known for his powerful preaching in Arabic and Turkish, serving the faithful with great devotion in Egypt and beyond. In 1911, he was appointed Archbishop of Mardin during the Synod of Armenian Bishops in Rome.
His unwavering commitment to Christ and his people was most clearly revealed during one of the darkest periods in Armenian history. Amid the horrors of the Armenian Genocide, Archbishop Maloyan was arrested along with 13 priests and 600 Christians by Turkish forces. Refusing to renounce his faith, he was executed on June 3, 1915, as a martyr for Christ.
Beatified by Pope St. John Paul II on October 7, 2001, Maloyan’s legacy continues to inspire courage, faith, and hope. Now, with the announcement from Pope Francis, the path to his canonization is open — a moment of immense pride and blessing for Armenian Catholics everywhere.
As we await the official declaration of sainthood, we give thanks for the life and witness of this holy shepherd. May Saint-to-be Ignatius Maloyan continue to intercede for the Armenian people and for peace in a world still marked by suffering and persecution.