Adolfo Nicolás (aged 71) was born in Spain, and joined the Jesuit Japanese Mission. He studied theology at Sofia University, Tokyo, and at the Gregorian University in Rome. A former Provincial of Japan, he has most recently been the Moderator of Jesuit Provincials in East Asia and Oceania.
The election followed four days of prayer and conversation by the 217 electors who came to Rome from all over the world. Read more »
The election hall today was a scene of tears and great emotion as the 29th successor to Ignatius Loyola was chosen by electors gathered from all continents.
Press Release from Jesuit Communication Centre, 19 January 2008
Cardinal Sean Brady and Cardinal Desmond Connell are among the many people giving a warm welcome to Fr Adolfo Nicolás SJ, the new Father General of the world-wide Jesuit Order. Fr Nicolás was elected this morning, Saturday 19 January 2008 by two-hundred and seventeen electors who came from all over the world for the thirty-fifth General Congregation of the Order. Read more »
When he left for Rome as an elector at GC35, Father Adolfo Nicolás SJ was Moderator of the Jesuit Conference of East Asia and Oceania. Shortly before leaving, he expressed his thoughts about – and hopes for – GC35 in Province Express, a newsletter of the Australian Jesuits.
Can we be realistic?
I can still remember GC34. They are fond, humorous and challenging memories. But we were not realistic. Just imagine: 220 Jesuits decide to tackle 46 topics, work on them for three months, produce 26 documents and solemnly handle and approve 416 complementary norms. Read more »
The following personal response to the election today of Fr Adolfo Nicolás as Superior General of the Jesuits has been sent by Fr Fernando Franco of the Jesuit Social Justice Secretariat.
We left the election hall only a few minutes ago. I am glad to announce that we have a new Superior General of the Society of Jesus. There is immense joy as the members of the Congregation approach the new General to greet and embrace him. Adolfo Nicolás SJ is a man from Asia, a theologian from Japan, but he was born in Palencia, Spain, in 1936. He represents a new generation of Spanish missionaries in Japan, after Fr. Arrupe. Read more »
