Jean Bonfils (bishop)
| The Most Reverend Jean Marie Louis Bonfils S.M.A. | |
|---|---|
| Bishop Emeritus of Nice | |
| Church | Catholic Church |
| Archdiocese | Marseille |
| Diocese | Nice |
| Appointed | 28 August 1998 |
| Term ended | 28 March 2005 |
| Predecessor | François Saint-Macary |
| Successor | Louis Sankalé |
| Other post | Apostolic Administrator of Ajaccio (2011–2012) |
| Previous post | Bishop of Viviers (1992–1998) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 7 December 1954 |
| Consecration | 10 January 1993 by Jean Honoré, Jacques Jullien and Henri Brincard |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 15 February 1930 Montpellier, France |
| Died | 12 May 2026 (aged 96) Nice, France |
| Motto | Apparuit Humanitas Salvatoris |
Jean Marie Louis Bonfils, S.M.A. (15 February 1930 – 12 May 2026) was a French Roman Catholic prelate, who served as Bishop of Viviers from 1992 to 1998 and as Bishop of Nice from 1998 until his retirement in 2005. He later served as Apostolic Administrator of the Ajaccio from 2011 to 2012.[1]
Early life and priesthood
Bonfils was born in Montpellier, France on 15 February 1930.[1] He entered the Society of African Missions (S.M.A.) and was ordained a priest on 7 December 1954.[2]
He taught theology in Lyon (1958–1962) and at the Major Seminary of Ouidah in Benin (1962–1964). He later served as master of novices in Chanly, Belgium (1964–1968), and held leadership roles within the Missions africaines of Lyon. From 1978 to 1984 he was secretary general of the Conference of Major Superiors of France. Between 1987 and 1992 he served at the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in Rome.[3]
Bishop of Viviers
On 28 November 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed Bonfils Bishop of Viviers.[4] He received episcopal consecration on 10 January 1993; the principal consecrator was Jean Honoré, assisted by Bishops Jacques Jullien and Henri Brincard.[1]
During his episcopate, he was involved in missionary cooperation within the Bishops' Conference of France.[5]
Bishop of Nice
On 28 August 1998, Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Nice.[1][6] He served in that capacity until 28 March 2005, when his resignation was accepted upon reaching the canonical retirement age.[1]
Apostolic administrator of Ajaccio
On 23 September 2011, he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ajaccio.[2] He served until 22 February 2012.[1]
During this period, he was publicly involved in pastoral discussions reported in French Catholic media, including clarifications regarding sacramental practice.[7]
Death
Bonfils died in Nice on 12 May 2026, at the age of 96.[8][1]
References
- Back to citation occurrence 1.0 Back to citation occurrence 1.1 Back to citation occurrence 1.2 Back to citation occurrence 1.3 Back to citation occurrence 1.4 Back to citation occurrence 1.5 Back to citation occurrence 1.6 "Bishop Jean Marie Louis Bonfils". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- Back to citation occurrence 2.0 Back to citation occurrence 2.1 "Mgr Bonfils nommé administrateur apostolique d'Ajaccio". Église catholique en France. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- Back to citation "Mgr Jean Bonfils". Église catholique en France. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- Back to citation "Mgr Jean Bonfils, nouvel évêque de Viviers". Le Monde. 1 December 1992. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- Back to citation "Mgr Jean Bonfils nommé évêque de Nice". cath.ch. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- Back to citation "France: Mgr Jean Bonfils nommé évêque de Nice". cath.ch. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- Back to citation "Précisions de Mgr Bonfils". L’Homme Nouveau. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- Back to citation "Communiqué – Décès de Mgr Bonfils". Diocèse de Nice. 13 May 2026. Retrieved 13 May 2026.
External links
- Bishop Jean Marie Louis Bonfils, S.M.A. at Catholic-Hierarchy.org