Father General has appointed Fr. Gonzalo Villagrán as the new Socius of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials. He will assume office in Brussels in July 2025, replacing Hermínio Rico, from Portugal, the current Socius. Gonzalo will also serve as Treasurer of the Conference.

Gonzalo Villagrán, 50 years old, is a member of the Spanish Province. He brings extensive academic and administrative experience to his new role. After studying business administration, he joined the Society of Jesus in 1998 and was ordained a priest in 2008. He holds a Licentiate in Theology from Centre Sèvres (now Facultés Loyola Paris) and a Doctorate in Theology from Boston College.

A specialist in Christian social ethics, he has published extensively on theology in secularized Europe and Christian-Muslim dialogue. Gonzalo served as Dean of the Granada Faculty of Theology (2018–2023), overseeing its integration into Universidad Loyola Andalucía. Currently, he is a professor at Universidad Loyola and Assistant Delegate for UNIJES, also serving on the Council of the Kircher Network, which connects Jesuit higher education institutions in Europe and the Near East.

As Socius, he will play a vital role in supporting the JCEP President and fostering collaboration among the European Jesuit Provinces and Networks.