St. Francis Xavier Church, Pecs

The Saint Francis Xavier Church in Pecs is a significant religious and cultural monument with a history deeply intertwined with the Jesuit and Greek Catholic traditions. Originally built in 1739 by the Jesuits, the church was designed in the Rococo style, featuring a single-nave structure and an onion-dome tower. It stands as a testament to the religious transformation and architectural evolution that took place in Pecs after the end of the Turkish occupation.

The church was originally a Roman Catholic place of worship, but over time, it was transferred to the Greek Catholic community. Today, it serves the Orthodox Catholic congregation while preserving elements of its earlier identity. Among the surviving furnishings from the original structure is the elaborately carved Rococo-style pulpit, a rare remnant of the church’s early decor.

The patron saint of the church, Saint Francis Xavier, was a Jesuit missionary who spread Christianity throughout the Far East, including India and Japan. Recognized for his missionary work, he was proclaimed the Patron Saint of India and the entire Far East by Pope Benedict XIV in 1748. His legacy is honored in the church’s dedication and religious services.

The church’s interior blends Baroque and Classicist styles typical of 18th-century Hungarian ecclesiastical architecture. Its gilded iconostasis, a key Greek Catholic feature, separates the altar from the nave, while a 19th-century marble high altar complements two 18th-century side altars. The understated façade features Baroque motifs, and a statue of Saint Francis of Assisi adds to the site's spiritual ambiance.

Throughout its history, the church has undergone multiple renovations. A notable restoration occurred in the early 1900s, financed by Canon Walter, who oversaw the addition of an Angster organ and a Zsolnay altar. In 1908, Ernő Gebauer painted the fresco on the main altar, further enriching the church’s artistic heritage.

Today, Saint Francis Xavier Church remains a cherished landmark in Pécs, embodying centuries of religious heritage, architectural beauty, and the enduring faith of its community.