www.daijiworld.com
A Portal linking the West Coast of India and the World
Powered by Walter Nandalike

Renowned Jesuit scientist, former St Aloysius college principal Fr Leo D’Souza SJ passes away at 93

  • Tue, Jan 20 2026 04:31:22 PM

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.

 

 

Comments on this article

  • callen dsouza

    Wed, Jan 21 2026

    RIP FR

  • Shivaprasad K U

    Wed, Jan 21 2026

    Deepest condolences. I was studying in SAC Mangalore when he was principal. He is the one who made my admission.

  • Sadiq

    Wed, Jan 21 2026

    Very sad to know Fr. Leo passed away. He was my principal during my studies at St. Aloysius college. He was undoubtedly a great human being. May his departed soul rest in peace. Amen.

  • Joel Fernandes

    Wed, Jan 21 2026

    A truly great human being. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

  • Prof Dr Zita Lobo

    Wed, Jan 21 2026

    It was my privilege and honour to have worked under his leadership during the last few years of his principalship. Fr. Dr. Leo D'Souza S.J., was a true role model. An exemplary human being, filled with scientific temperament and compassion. As my principal in St. Aloysius College, I have watched him with awe and admiration. A tireless workaholic, he carried out his responsibilities with quiet efficiency and profound simplicity. He possessed the memory of an elephant and the humility of a sparrow. May the lord rest his noble soul in eternal peace.

  • SHASHIKALA

    Wed, Jan 21 2026

    Deepest condolences to all the family and the Jesuit community. May his soul Rest in Peace 🙏 🙏 🙏

  • Stephen Quadros Permude

    Wed, Jan 21 2026

    Geeat Human being

  • Old student of SAC

    Wed, Jan 21 2026

    Remembering old days year 1986-1991 Fr.Leo was strict principal but good human being too..May his soul rest in peace.

  • Arthur Machado

    Tue, Jan 20 2026

    Rest in Peace Fr. You were a great teacher.Condolences to family members and all of Jesuit family.

  • real kujuma

    Tue, Jan 20 2026

    RIP Reverend and also a great principal and strict head master of high school when I studied in renowned St Aloysius primary, high school and college...Life well lived...

  • Valerian and Janet Rodrigues

    Tue, Jan 20 2026

    Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members May his soul rest in peace

  • Jerome sequeira

    Tue, Jan 20 2026

    Rest in peace father,You Run the race the medal is waiting for you. Condolences to the Jesuit family.

  • Prem Colaço

    Tue, Jan 20 2026

    Very Sad to hear on Fr Leo D'souza's demise, our most loved principal at St Aloysius College, remember meeting him first time and was awestruck with his simplicity and approach to give me the feel at home atmosphere and guiding me. I stand tall because of him inculcating the right training, knowledge, and guidance which i shall never forget. A good educator, inspirational talks combined with great wisdom, knowledge and commitment to bring the best in a student needs no mention. We shall dearly miss him. may his soul Rest in Peace, Amen!

  • Maxim Crasta

    Tue, Jan 20 2026

    I had the privilege of being a student of Fr. Leo d'Souza during my B.Sc. studies. His teaching approach was truly unique, setting him apart from other educators; he was an incredible source of inspiration and stimulated the minds of his students. At that time, he supervised numerous Ph.D. candidates and introduced us to tissue culture techniques, which allowed for rapid cloning from plant tissues that he had developed during his research in Germany. This subject captivated all of us deeply. As a result of his motivating lectures, five members of our class chose to pursue careers in research. We remember you fondly, Fr. Leo your legacy endures and will always be cherished. Rest in peace.

  • STANISLAUS BENJAMIN VAZ

    Tue, Jan 20 2026

    The Late Rev. Father Leo D’Souza, former Rector of St. Aloysius College, was a remarkable intellect who was deeply respected by the community, his fellow clergy, and academic circles across the region. Yet beyond his many achievements, Father Leo was a profoundly humble and gentle soul. To both the young and the old, he stood as a living example of discipline, integrity, and dedication to the greater good of South Canara. His passing is a tremendous loss as the year begins. As my late mother’s cousin, Father Leo was a cherished presence in our family. He never failed to visit us on every important occasion, and we always looked up to him with admiration and affection. His disciplined life and quiet wisdom inspired each of us to strive for excellence in our own paths. His loss is deeply felt and leaves a void in our hearts. May Rev. Father Leo rest in eternal peace. Amen.

  • Neville Lobo

    Tue, Jan 20 2026

    Deepest condolences to all the family and the Jesuit community. May his soul Rest in Peace 🙏 🙏 🙏

  • Ananda Moorthi.

    Tue, Jan 20 2026

    my Princi..(1985)........RIP...Fr.🙏

  • Deepak DCunha

    Tue, Jan 20 2026

    End of an era! I remember Fr. Leo D’Souza SJ not just as my principal, but as a mentor who shaped minds and character with quiet authority and deep compassion. He stood for discipline balanced with kindness, academic excellence rooted in values, and leadership grounded in humility. A distinguished educator, scholar, and Jesuit priest, he inspired generations to think critically, live ethically, and serve selflessly. His life of faith, learning, and service will continue to guide all who were privileged to learn under him. Rest in peace, Fr. Leo D’Souza SJ. Your legacy will guide us always.

  • Former student of SAC

    Tue, Jan 20 2026

    Fr. Leo's love for plants and trees was such that one day he called a boy who cut a branch of a small tree in front of the hockey field and told him not to do so again, as the tree was in pain. He was mild and was feeling sorry for that tree. He was one of the finest Jesuit priests of our times. Condolences to the family and the Jesuit community. We have lost a legend...