The Jesuit General Curia in Rome has announced that its former superior general, Father Adolfo Nicolás, died on May 20 in Tokyo, Japan. He was 84.

He was a member of the Jesuit community of Loyola House in Kamishakujii and had been ill for several years.

A statement said he is deeply mourned by the Jesuits of Japan and Asia-Pacific, his family and compatriots in Spain, and his many friends around the world.

“I offer my sincere condolences to the Jesuit province of Japan, to Father Nicolas’ family, to the Jesuits in Spain and the Philippines and to his many friends all around the world,” said Father Arturo Sosa, current superior general.

“Father Nicolás gave of himself throughout his life. It was a life marked by intense service, calm availability and a deep ability to inculturate in Japan, where he went as a young Jesuit. It was a culture he loved dearly and to which he committed himself.

“His time as general was marked by his sense of humour, his courage, his humility and his close relationship with Pope Francis. All of us here at the Jesuit General Curia mourn him and a special Mass will be offered here in Rome as soon as we can organize it.”

Father Sosa said all who worked with Father Nicolás in the General Curia greatly appreciated his presence.