In a remarkable milestone, Indian Jesuit priest and astronomer Richard D’Souza has been named the next director of the Vatican Observatory, one of the oldest astronomical institutions in the world. The announcement was confirmed by the newly elected Pope Leo XIV on Thursday evening. According to media reports, D'Souza will officially take over from current director Brother Guy Consolmagno when his term concludes on September 15, 2025.
"I am very honoured to be appointed by Pope Leo XIV as the next Director of the Vatican Observatory," said D’Souza, expressing his gratitude in a statement to Hindustan Times.
Who is Richard D’Souza?
A native of Mapusa, Goa, Richard D’Souza is no stranger to the stars, both literally and figuratively. The 47-year-old Jesuit priest has been with the Vatican Observatory since 2016 and has also been serving as the Superior of its Jesuit community since 2022.
His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to both science and spirituality. D’Souza earned his undergraduate degree in Physics from St Xavier’s College, Mumbai, before heading to Germany for a Master’s degree at the University of Heidelberg. During his time there, he worked with the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy.
He later pursued his PhD in Astronomy at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Garching, Munich, with a research focus on galaxy formation and evolution. He also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Beyond academia, D’Souza is a member of the International Astronomical Union and was recently honoured by having an asteroid named after him, a rare recognition in the scientific community.
The Vatican Observatory, founded in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII, stands as a symbol of the Catholic Church’s support for scientific exploration. With D’Souza stepping into the leadership role, it marks a significant moment for India and for the global Jesuit scientific community.
