"A man of grace and wisdom, simple, dedicated” Former Superior General of the Society of Jesus Fr. Adolfo Nicolás went to be with the Lord on May 20, 2020, in Tokyo, Japan. He was a member of the Jesuit community of Loyola House in Kamishakujii, and had been ill for a number of years. He is deeply mourned by the Jesuits of Japan and Asia Pacific, his family and compatriots in Spain, and his many friends around the world.

In this video we share moments taken during his visits to the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar. -In this video we highlight some of the provinces he visited namely: the Jesuits in Zambia-Malawi, the Jesuits in Eastern Africa, and the Jesuits in Central Central Africa.

Tribute Message from the JCAM President "The Jesuits, collaborators and friends of the Conference of Africa and Madagascar mourn the death of our beloved Father Adolfo Nicolás SJ. May his soul rest in peace. We remember him as a wise and caring leader, steeped in our foundational spirituality and imbued with a clarity of apostolic vision. His gift of deep spirituality, apostolic creativity, and intellectual depth will continue to inspire Jesuits and partners in the mission of the Society of Jesus across the world. Among the many acts of generosity and solicitude for the mission of the Society of Jesus in Africa and Madagascar, the Jesuit Historical Institute in Africa stands as a lasting legacy of his visionary and inspirational leadership. May the Risen Christ welcome Baba Nico into eternity. Amen." - Fr Agbonkhianmeghe E. Orobator SJ

HIS LIFE Father Adolfo Nicolás was born on April 29, 1936 in Palencia, Spain. He entered the Society in 1953 and later studied at the University of Alcalá before going to Japan. After studying Japanese, he entered Sophia University in Tokyo, where he studied Theology. Nicolás was ordained to the priesthood in 1967.

He earned a doctorate in Theology from the Gregorian University in Rome. Nicolás then returned to Japan and taught Theology at Sophia for the next three decades. During these years, his obvious talents led to appointments first in the Philippines, as the Director of the East Asian Pastoral Institute (1978-1984), and later in South Korea, where he helped the Jesuits transition from American to indigenous leadership.

In 1993, Nicolás was named to a six-year term as Provincial of the Japanese Province after which he spent three years working with poor immigrants in Tokyo.

In 2004, Nicolás returned to the Philippines to become Moderator of the Jesuit Conference for Eastern Asia and Oceania. Chosen to attend the 35th Congregation of the Society of Jesus in Rome, Nicolás was elected as Superior General of the Order on January 19, 2008 and he renounced in November 2016 being the 30th General Superior of the Society of Jesus. After his time in Rome he decided to go back to Philippines, and finaly to his belowed Japan.