Fr. Jean-Paul Savi, S.J., Appointed New Director of the Jesuit Historical Institute in Africa (JHIA)
He succeeds Father Jean-Luc ENYEGUE, S.J., who recently took on the role of Provincial of the West Africa Province (AOC).
The appointment, announced by JCAM President Fr. José Minaku, S.J., is effective immediately. Fr. Savi will be resident at Hekima University College in Nairobi, Kenya, where the JHIA is based.
Fr. Savi brings a distinguished academic pedigree to the role. He holds two doctorates: a Doctorate in Contemporary History from Université Lumière Lyon II in France (September 2023) and a Doctorate in Church History from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (May 2023).
His scholarly excellence was recently recognized on the global stage when he was awarded the prestigious Bellarmine Prize by the Pontifical Gregorian University on 5th November 2024. The prize honors outstanding academic achievement and significant contributions to research.
Beyond his academic qualifications, Fr. Savi has extensive experience in teaching, research, and archival work. He is the author of numerous publications and has presented at various conferences focusing on the history of Christianity in Africa. This background positions him well to lead the Institute’s mission of preserving and promoting the rich history of the Society of Jesus in Africa.
Fr. Minaku expressed confidence in the new appointment. "We are confident that [Fr. Savi] possesses the qualities required to lead the Institute with discernment and effectiveness," he stated in the announcement.
A Fond Farewell and Gratitude
The transition also marks an opportunity to acknowledge the significant contributions of the outgoing director, Fr. Jean-Luc ENYEGUE, S.J. During his tenure, the JHIA experienced a period of robust growth and academic output. His leadership was characterized by prudent management, a strengthened presence of Jesuit history on the continent, and the publication of numerous high-quality works.
"We take this opportunity to express our deep gratitude to Father Jean-Luc ENYEGUE for his services to the Institute," Fr. Minaku added. "We thank him for his dedicated service and for continuing to support the mission in his new role as Provincial."
May the Lord bless and guide Father Jean-Paul SAVI in this new responsibility, and may He continue to lead each of us in the mission entrusted to us by the Society of Jesus.
