The mysterious saint: Who is the 21st Coptic martyr now recognized by the Vatican?

Matthew Ayariga will be inscribed in the Roman Martyrology. But his path to martyrdom remains obscure.

Matthew Ayariga is one of only 21 people officially recognized as 21st-century martyrs by both the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. 

But he has a further distinction: He is the only one among the 21 who was not a Coptic Orthodox Christian. He may not have been a Catholic either.

An Islamic State leader holds Matthew Ayariga, left, by the co…