Vatican Observatory director’s 10-year mission draws to close

Fr D’Souza, who has worked at the Vatican’s astronomical research and educational institution since 2016, will start his new position on September 19, according to a Holy See Press Office statement.

The Indian priest succeeds Br Guy Consolmagno SJ, whose 10-year mandate as head of the observatory ended in August. Br Guy will remain at the scientific institution as a staff astronomer.

According to the Vatican Observatory website, Fr D’Souza, whose area of specialised research is the formation and evolution of galaxies, is also the superior of the Jesuit community attached to the observatory in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

Br Consolmagno, 72, visited Aoteoaroa New Zealand last month and spoke in Auckland, Timaru, Wellington, Kaikōura and Christchurch. He also visited a number of world-renowned sites for stargazing.

He told the Sunday Star-Times that he made the decision to step down as director himself – though the announcement was delayed by the sickness and then death of the late Pope Francis.

“I’ve had the job 10 years. I think I’ve used up most of my clever ideas,” Br Consolmagno said.

“The paperwork was on Francis’ desk, and then, of course, he never got to it – which was frustrating for my successor, Richard D’Souza, because he couldn’t tell people.”

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