“Moment of pride”: Jesuits in Africa Laud Confrere’s Appointment as Faculty Dean at Rome-based Gregorian University

Nairobi, 30 June, 2025 / 9:47 PM

The appointment of Fr. Prof. Paul Béré of the Jesuit Province of West Africa (AOC) as Dean of the Faculty of Biblical Sciences (Biblicum) at the Rome-based Pontifical Gregorian University is “a moment of pride for the Church in Africa”, the President of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM) has said.

In his Friday, June 27 statement, Fr. José Minaku Lukoli says that the appointment, which the Superior General of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits/SJ), Fr. Arturo Sosa, made, marks “a significant milestone for the church both in Africa and the global Society of Jesus.”

“His appointment is not only a personal achievement but also a moment of pride and affirmation for the Church in Africa,” Fr. Minaku says about the appointment of the Burkinabe Jesuit Priest.

Fr. Béré’s appointment as Dean, JCAM President goes on to say, “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.”

The appointment is a “testament” to Fr. Béré’s “remarkable dedication to biblical scholarship, ecclesial service, and leadership in theological formation across Africa and beyond,” the native of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) adds.

“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,” Fr. Minaku says about his confrere.

Fr. Béré  studied philosophy at the Faculty of Philosophy Saint-Pierre Canisius in DRC, and theology at the Jesuit 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 U.S.

In his June 27 statement, JCAM President recognized Fr. Béré’s contributions to society beyond academia, and noted, “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),” Fr. Minaku added.

He described his confrere as a “visionary thinker,” explaining that Fr. Béré founded Kanien and has directed numerous academic initiatives, such as REPHI-Africa and ITCJ Presses.

In the statement, the JCAM President emphasizes Fr. Béré's recognition throughout Africa, noting that the Malagasy Council for Higher Education (CAMES) designated him an Associate Professor.

He says that the newly appointed Dean, who is a Consultant at the Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops and the Dicastery for Culture and Education is celebrated for his longstanding service that includes his membership in the Pontifical Biblical Commission and participation in the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC).

In 2019, JCAM President recalls, Fr. Béré became the first African recipient of the Ratzinger Prize (Prix Benoît XVI) that recognizes excellence in theological research and affirms international influence in biblical studies.

“JCAM gives thanks to God for the gift of Fr. Béré’s vocation and leadership,” he says, adding, “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.”