Jean Bonfils (bishop)

The Most Reverend

Jean Marie Louis Bonfils

S.M.A.
Bishop Emeritus of Nice
ChurchCatholic Church
ArchdioceseMarseille
DioceseNice
Appointed28 August 1998
Term ended28 March 2005
PredecessorFrançois Saint-Macary
SuccessorLouis Sankalé
Other postApostolic Administrator of Ajaccio (2011–2012)
Previous postBishop of Viviers (1992–1998)
Orders
Ordination7 December 1954
Consecration10 January 1993
by Jean Honoré, Jacques Jullien and Henri Brincard
Personal details
Born(1930-02-15)15 February 1930
Montpellier, France
Died12 May 2026(2026-05-12) (aged 96)
Nice, France
MottoApparuit Humanitas Salvatoris
Coat of arms
Jean Marie Louis Bonfils's coat of arms
Jean Marie Louis Bonfils's coat of arms

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.

Early life and priesthood

Bonfils was born in Montpellier, France on 15 February 1930. He entered the Society of African Missions (S.M.A.) and was ordained a priest on 7 December 1954.

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.

Bishop of Viviers

On 28 November 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed Bonfils Bishop of Viviers. He received episcopal consecration on 10 January 1993; the principal consecrator was Jean Honoré, assisted by Bishops Jacques Jullien and Henri Brincard.

During his episcopate, he was involved in missionary cooperation within the Bishops' Conference of France.

Bishop of Nice

On 28 August 1998, Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Nice. He served in that capacity until 28 March 2005, when his resignation was accepted upon reaching the canonical retirement age.

Apostolic administrator of Ajaccio

On 23 September 2011, he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ajaccio. He served until 22 February 2012.

During this period, he was publicly involved in pastoral discussions reported in French Catholic media, including clarifications regarding sacramental practice.

Death

Bonfils died in Nice on 12 May 2026, at the age of 96.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Bishop Jean Marie Louis Bonfils". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
  2. 1 2 "Mgr Bonfils nommé administrateur apostolique d'Ajaccio". Église catholique en France. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
  3. ↑ "Mgr Jean Bonfils". Église catholique en France. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
  4. ↑ "Mgr Jean Bonfils, nouvel évêque de Viviers". Le Monde. 1 December 1992. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
  5. ↑ "Mgr Jean Bonfils nommé évêque de Nice". cath.ch. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
  6. ↑ "France: Mgr Jean Bonfils nommé évêque de Nice". cath.ch. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
  7. ↑ "Précisions de Mgr Bonfils". L’Homme Nouveau. Retrieved 19 February 2026.
  8. ↑ "Communiqué – Décès de Mgr Bonfils". Diocèse de Nice. 13 May 2026. Retrieved 13 May 2026.