Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 20: Renowned Jesuit priest, world-acclaimed botanist and former rector and principal of St Aloysius College, Fr Leo D’Souza SJ, passed away at Fr Muller’s Hospital here around 2.00 pm on Tuesday. He was 93.

Born in Mangaluru, Fr Leo D’Souza had his early education at St Aloysius College institutions, with which he remained closely associated throughout his life. He served as the principal of St Aloysius College and later as the rector of St Aloysius College institutions in Mangaluru, playing a pivotal role in shaping generations of students and strengthening the institution’s academic and spiritual foundations.

A distinguished scientist, Fr Leo D’Souza was internationally recognised for his contributions to botanical research. He pursued his PhD studies at the world-famous Max Planck Institute in Germany and went on to establish the Laboratory of Applied Biology at St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru. As a scientist, he published numerous research papers in reputed international journals, earning respect in academic circles across the globe.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to higher education and spiritual leadership, Fr Leo D’Souza was awarded the prestigious Canisius Medal at the International Association of Jesuit Universities (IAJU) 2025 Assembly held in Bogota, Colombia, in July last year.

He had recently celebrated 60 years of Jesuit priesthood, marking a lifetime dedicated to education, research, faith and service.

The funeral Mass will be held at Divine Mercy Church, Fatima Retreat House, Mangaluru, at 3 pm on Thursday, January 22, followed by burial at the Jesuit Cemetery, Mangaluru.

His demise has been widely mourned by the Jesuit community, former students, academicians and admirers, who remember him as a scholar of rare calibre, a committed educator and a deeply spiritual guide.