Ignác Szepessy was born in Eger in 1780, he studied philosophy in Pest, later theology in Vienna. He was the Bishop of Pécs from 1828. He made efforts for the scientific development of the town. He created a printing press, he established the Pécs Legal Academy, and he added some four thousand volumes to the first public library founded by Bishop Klimó. He was elected to be an honorary member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in 1831. He died in Pécs in 1838.
The erection of the statue was initiated by the citizens of Pécs. The town council released a decree concerning the collection of public contributions, and the necessary funds were gathered soon. György Kiss was commissioned to create the memorial. The bronze statue standing on a grey granite base was unveiled in 1893. The main figure is the high priest stepping of the stairs of the pulpit holding the Bible. His figure is tall, the portrayal is very realistic according to the accounts. The two reliefs by the main figure of the composition are also characteristic, they depict the most important deed of the bishop, the establishment of the academy. The relief on the right shows the moment when the architect introduces the bishop the plans of the building for the legal academy. The relief on the left shows the delegation of the city of Pécs handing a document of gratitude over to the founder. According to many this is the most beautiful statue of Pécs.