John Baptist Pitaval

John Baptist Pitaval (February 10, 1858 – May 23, 1928) was an American prelate of the Catholic Church. He served as Archbishop of Santa Fe from 1909 to 1918.

Early life and education Pitaval was born on February 10, 1858, in Saint-Genis-Terrenoir to Jean Claude and Mariette (née Pugnet) Pitaval. He made his preliminary studies for the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Lyon, where he was ordained a subdeacon.

Pitaval accepted an invitation from Bishop Joseph Projectus Machebeuf to join the Diocese of Denver, arriving in the United States in June 1881. Along with Robert Servant, he was one of the first two Catholic priests ordained in Colorado.

Pitaval engaged in missionary work for the next 21 years. He first served in the San Luis Valley, traveling the valley on horseback and supporting himself by selling livestock.

At the beginning of Pitaval's tenure in 1909, the archdiocese contained 127,000 Catholics, 65 priests, 45 parishes, 340 missions, 12 parochial schools, and three hospitals. Following his retirement nine years later, there were over 140,000 Catholics, 80 priests, 46 parishes, 356 missions, 26 parochial schools, and five hospitals. Among the institutions he founded were St. Anthony's Orphanage at Albuquerque and St. Mary's Hospital at Gallup. He was given the honorary title of titular archbishop of Amida by Pope Benedict XV. He retired to Colorado, residing at St. Anthony Hospital and briefly serving as a chaplain there.

Pitaval died from complications with Bright's disease, diabetes, and heart disease at St. Anthony Hospital on May 23, 1928, at age 70. He is buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery.