The Jesuit Historical Institute in Africa (JHIA) is pleased to welcome Fr. Jean Paul Atsu Dodzi Savi, SJ, who officially assumes office as the Director of the Institute in August 2026.
Fr. Jean Paul succeeds Fr. Jean Luc Enyegue, SJ, whose dedicated leadership helped consolidate JHIA’s mission of preserving, promoting, and advancing the history of the Society of Jesus in Africa. The Institute also expresses its sincere gratitude to Fr. Norbert Litoing, SJ, who has faithfully served as Interim Director during the transition period, ensuring continuity in the Institute’s academic, archival, and publishing work.
Born in Atakpamé, Togo, Fr. Jean Paul entered the Society of Jesus in 2003 and was ordained a priest in 2014. His Jesuit formation has taken him across Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Italy, and France, reflecting the intercultural richness that has long characterized Jesuit scholarship and mission in Africa.
A distinguished historian, Fr. Jean Paul brings to JHIA exceptional academic credentials. He holds doctorates in both Church History from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome and Contemporary History from Université Lumière Lyon II in France. His scholarly preparation also includes specialized training in archival science at the Vatican School of Palaeography, Diplomatics and Archive Administration, an expertise that aligns closely with JHIA’s commitment to preserving and making accessible the documentary heritage of the Society of Jesus in Africa.
His academic excellence has received international recognition. In 2024, he was awarded the prestigious Bellarmino Prize by the Pontifical Gregorian University, presented by His Holiness Pope Francis in recognition of the outstanding quality of his research in Church History.
Throughout his ministry, Fr. Jean Paul has combined scholarship with service. He has taught Church History at the Jesuit Institute of Theology in Abidjan, served as Academic Secretary of the Institute, directed the Centre for Christian Studies and Research in Brazzaville, and currently coordinates the PROTHEOS programme, dedicated to the theological and spiritual formation of Catholic religious sisters. His experience also includes professional work with the Archives of the Society of Jesus in Rome, further strengthening his expertise in historical research and archival management.
Fr. Jean Paul’s research focuses on the history of Christianity in Africa, the encounter between Church and society, colonial and postcolonial history, and the evolving mission of the Church on the continent. He has authored numerous scholarly articles and the acclaimed monograph Geopolitical Failure and Missionary Failure? German Catholic Missionaries in Togoland (1892–1921), while remaining actively involved in international research networks and academic conferences.
As JHIA continues to deepen its work in historical research, archival preservation, scholarly publishing, and the promotion of African Jesuit history, Fr. Jean Paul’s academic vision, pastoral experience, and archival expertise position him well to lead the Institute into its next phase of growth and service.
The entire JHIA community extends a warm welcome to Fr. Jean Paul Savi, SJ, and assures him of our prayers and collaboration as he begins this important ministry. We look forward to the continued strengthening of JHIA’s mission of preserving the past, engaging the present, and inspiring future generations through the rich history of the Society of Jesus in Africa.
The JHIA Editorial Team
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This profile was prepared from biographical information kindly provided by Fr. Guy Savi, SJ, Socius of the Jesuit Province of West Africa (AOC)
