Pope Leo XIV Appoints Fr. Richard D’Souza as Director of Vatican Observatory
A new era of astronomical research dawns at the Vatican as Pope Leo XIV has appointed Fr. Richard Anthony D’Souza, S.J., as the next Director of the Vatican Observatory, continuing the institution’s long-standing commitment to the intersection of faith and science.
The appointment, announced Thursday by the Vatican Governorate, solidifies a succession plan initiated prior to the passing of Pope Francis. Fr. D’Souza will succeed Br. Guy Consolmagno, S.J., whose ten-year term concludes on September 19, 2025.
Fr. D’Souza brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as a staff member at the Observatory since 2016. He holds a doctorate in astronomy and specializes in the complex dynamics of galaxy merging and its impact on galactic evolution, including our own Milky Way. His research has been published in numerous international scientific journals, and he is an active member of the International Astronomical Union – an organization that recently honored him by naming an asteroid after him.
“I am delighted that His Holiness has chosen Fr. D’Souza to be the next director of the Vatican Observatory,” stated Br. Consolmagno. “I know that Fr. D’Souza has the vision and wisdom to carry the Observatory forward during this time of rapid change in astronomical research, especially given his experience with space telescopes and advanced computational techniques.”
Fr. D’Souza, in turn, acknowledged the legacy of his predecessor. “During his ten years of leadership, Br. Consolmagno has distinguished himself for his dedication to dialogue between science and faith, to scientific dissemination, and the promotion of astronomical research at the international level.”
Br. Consolmagno’s contributions will continue even after his directorship ends. He will remain a staff astronomer at the Vatican Observatory and assume the presidency of the Vatican Observatory Foundation, based in Tucson, Arizona.
A Life Dedicated to Science and Faith
Born in 1978 in Goa, India, Fr. Richard D’Souza’s journey to the directorship reflects a deep commitment to both intellectual and spiritual pursuits. He entered the Society of Jesus in 1996 and was ordained a priest in 2011 after completing studies in philosophy and theology at Jnana Deepa, Pune, India.
His academic credentials include a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, a Master’s degree from the University of Heidelberg, Germany – where he conducted research at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy – and a doctorate in astronomy from the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Garching, Munich. He further honed his expertise through a postdoctoral program at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Since 2022, he has also served as the Superior of the Jesuit community at the Vatican Observatory.
The Vatican Observatory: A Legacy of Dialogue
Founded in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII, the Vatican Observatory has a rich history rooted in the belief that scientific inquiry and religious faith are not mutually exclusive. In his foundational document, Ut Mysticam, Pope Leo XIII articulated the Observatory’s mission: “…that everyone might see clearly that the Church and her Pastors are not opposed to true and solid science, whether human or divine, but that they embrace it, encourage it, and promote it with the fullest possible dedication.”
Today, the Observatory continues to uphold this mission, with Jesuit astronomers exploring a vast range of astronomical phenomena – from stars and meteorites to galaxies, cosmology, and the search for life beyond our solar system. The Observatory serves as a unique platform for dialogue between science, theology, and the broader traditions of the Catholic Church.
As Fr. D’Souza assumes leadership, the Vatican Observatory remains poised to contribute to our understanding of the universe and our place within it, reaffirming the enduring power of curiosity, faith, and the pursuit of knowledge.
