The Society of Jesus Elects a New Superior General

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January 23, 2008

In Rome on Saturday, January 19, 2008, Fr. Adolfo Nicolas, S.J. was elected to be the new Jesuit Superior General. As the leader of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Nicolas will succeed Fr. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., who is retiring from the position at the age of 79.

The process of electing a new Superior General involves a period of discussion about possible candidates (known as "murmuratio") followed by a vote by Jesuit delegates from all over the world; the current delegation includes Santa Clara University President Paul Locatelli, S.J., and Canisius College President Vincent Cooke, S.J.

A European with extensive experience in East Asia and a mastery of five different languages, Fr. Nicolas' distinguished career has prepared him for his new position as an international religious leader.

"The Universal enthusiasm for the election of Fr. Adolfo Nicolas as Superior General of the Jesuits certainly bodes well for the future of the Society of Jesus," said AJCU President Fr. Charles L. Currie, S.J. "Fr. Nicolas combines all of the qualities needed at this time: charismatic leadership, long experience in linking education and the intellectual life to concern for justice and the poor, a great sensitivity to different cultures and a deep spirituality. And to all of these he adds a great sense of humor!"

Fr. Nicolas was born in Palencia, Spain in 1936. It was in his native country that he earned a degree in philosophy and made the decision to enter the novitiate to become a Jesuit priest. He went on to study theology in Japan, where he was ordained in 1967.

After completing a master's degree at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Fr. Nicolas then returned to Asia, where he would hold a variety of positions. In the 1970s, he served as a professor at Tokyo's Sophia University; was the director of the East Asian Pastoral Institute from the late 1970s to early 1980s in Manila; held leadership posts in the order in Japan in the 1990s; and was moderator of the Jesuit Conference for Eastern Asia and Oceania from 2004 to 2007.

"We are indeed fortunate to be able to build so enthusiastically on the strong legacies of Fr. Nicolas' predecessors, Fr. Arrupe and Fr. Kolvenbach," said Currie."Our colleges and universities look forward to working with him."