It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of His Beatitude Lucian Cardinal Mureșan, Major Archbishop of the Romanian Greek Catholic Church, in communion with Rome. A model of courage and fidelity, he remained steadfast in communion with the Holy Father during the harsh years of communist persecution.

A friend of the Sovereign Order of Malta, His Beatitude blessed the Order’s first ceremony in the Greek Catholic Cathedral of Blaj in November 2023, through Bishop Cristian Crișan.

Born 94 years ago into a devout Greek Catholic family, Lucian Mureșan pursued his priestly vocation despite the Church’s suppression under communism. Ordained clandestinely in 1964, he ministered in secrecy until the fall of the regime. In 1990, Saint Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Maramureș, later entrusting him with the leadership of the Greek Catholic Church in Romania.

Elevated to Major Archbishop in 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI, he became the first Romanian cardinal of the Church in 2012. Among the highlights of his ministry was welcoming Pope Francis to Blaj in 2019, when the Holy Father beatified the seven martyred bishops of the Romanian Church United with Rome.

His Beatitude’s passing comes as the nation commemorates Blessed Cardinal Iuliu Hossu, his illustrious predecessor. The members of the Order of Malta join in prayer, giving thanks for his witness of faith and fidelity. May the Lord grant him eternal rest.