Malachi Martin, born in Ireland in 1921, was a Catholic priest, biblical archaeologist, and professor who later became a prolific author. After his ordination as a Jesuit and studies in Rome, he served as secretary to Cardinal Augustin Bea during the Second Vatican Council. Disillusioned by the council's direction, Martin eventually requested release from some of his Jesuit vows and moved to New York City.

He became known for his critical stance on the Catholic hierarchy and his prolific writing, which included novels and non-fiction works. His books often explored themes of Satanism, demonic possession, exorcism, and alleged conspiracies within the Vatican. Martin also engaged with topics such as the Fátima prophecies and the alleged elected papacies of Cardinal Giuseppe Siri. He passed away in 1999.

Born in Ireland in 1921, Malachi Martin was educated at Belvedere College and University College Dublin before entering the Society of Jesus. He was ordained a priest in 1954. His academic pursuits led him to earn doctorates in archaeology, Oriental history, and Semitic languages from the Catholic University of Louvain. He furthered his studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of Oxford, specializing in ancient manuscripts and intertestamentary studies. Martin's early career involved significant research on the Dead Sea Scrolls and Semitic palaeography. He also participated in archaeological digs and assisted in his first exorcism while working in Egypt.

Martin's tenure in Rome coincided with the Second Vatican Council, a period that led to his disillusionment with the Church's trajectory. He served as a professor at the Pontifical Biblical Institute and worked with Cardinal Augustin Bea, but eventually requested a release from his Jesuit vows in 1964, moving to New York City. This transition marked the beginning of his prolific writing career. Martin published numerous books, both fiction and non-fiction, often adopting a critical perspective on the Catholic Church's leadership and doctrines. He also wrote under the pseudonym Michael Serafian.

A significant portion of Martin's work delved into subjects considered esoteric, paranormal, and controversial. His book 'Hostage to the Devil' explored themes of Satanism, demonic possession, and exorcism, leading him to be recognized in paranormal circles. Martin was also a vocal proponent of certain interpretations of the Fátima prophecies, particularly the unreleased "Third Secret." He discussed alleged papal assassinations and the possibility of angelic possession, alongside diabolic possession. Furthermore, he lent credence to the Siri thesis, suggesting Cardinal Giuseppe Siri was elected pope but declined the papacy under duress.