The Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM) is delighted to announce the historic appointment of Father Paul Béré, SJ, of the Jesuit Province of West Africa (AOC), as Dean of the Faculty of Biblical Sciences (Biblicum) at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

This appointment by the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Arturo Sosa, SJ, marks a significant milestone for the Church in Africa and for the global Society of Jesus.

Fr. Béré’s appointment is a testament to his remarkable dedication to biblical scholarship, ecclesial service, and leadership in theological formation across Africa and beyond. A distinguished academic and pastoral leader, Fr. Béré is not only an accomplished scholar but also a beacon of inspiration to a generation of African theologians and biblical scholars.

His formation and academic journey reflect the richness and depth of African theological education. He studied philosophy at the Faculty of Philosophy Saint-Pierre Canisius in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and theology at Hekima College in Nairobi, Kenya. He later pursued advanced biblical studies at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome, earning both a Licentiate and a Doctorate in Biblical Sciences. In 2008, he completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Marquette University in the USA.

Fr. Béré has served in a variety of key academic and administrative roles, contributing significantly to the intellectual and pastoral life of the Church. He has been a Professor at the Pontifical Biblical Institute since 2019 and a Member of the Senate and Quality Commission at the Gregorian University. He also led the Commission for the Promotion of Quality at the Biblicum and previously served as Ad Interim President of the Faculty of Theology of the Jesuits in Africa and Madagascar (FTJAM).

A visionary thinker, he founded Kanien: Research Journal in Theology of FTJAM and served as Director of multiple academic initiatives including REPHI-Africa and ITCJ Presses. His academic excellence has been recognized by the African and Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES), which named him an Associate Professor.

Fr. Béré's contributions extend well beyond the academic sphere. He is currently a Consultor to the Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops and to the Dicastery for Culture and Education. His longstanding service includes membership in the Pontifical Biblical Commission and participation in the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC).

In 2019, he became the first African recipient of the Ratzinger Prize (Prix Benoît XVI), an honor that celebrates excellence in theological research and affirms his international influence in biblical studies.

His appointment is not only a personal achievement but also a moment of pride and affirmation for the Church in Africa. It underscores the growing recognition of African voices in global theological discourse and highlights the richness of African contributions to biblical scholarship and the life of the universal Church.

As he assumes this new responsibility, JCAM gives thanks to God for the gift of Fr. Béré’s vocation and leadership. We entrust him to the prayers of the faithful across Africa and the world, confident that his stewardship will continue to enrich the Church’s understanding of the Word of God.