Let us pray in thanksgiving for the life of Fr. Nicholas F. Pope, SJ, who died on October 20, 2025 at St. Camillus Jesuit Community in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He was 82 years old. May he rest in peace.
Nick is preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Catherine (nee Cardiello), and his sister, Mary Kounas. He is survived by his nieces and their children.
Nick was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on June 8, 1943. He entered the Wisconsin Province of the Society of Jesus on September 1, 1961 at the Jesuit Novitiate in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota. He was ordained on June 9, 1972 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Sioux City, Iowa, and pronounced final vows on June 6, 1997 at Jesuit Hall on the campus of Saint Louis University.
While in the Society, Nick earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and letters from Saint Louis University (1967), a master’s degree in theology from Regis College in Toronto (1972), and a master’s degree in English from Marquette University (1980).
During regency, Nick taught English at Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha (1967-1969) where he realized he not only enjoyed interacting with students in the classroom but that he was a very good English teacher. After ordination, Nick taught English for over a decade at: Creighton Prep (1973-1974; 1976-1978; 1980-1981) and Marquette University (1981-1986; 1988-1989). In addition, he was an administrative assistant at JESCOM, the International Jesuit Center for Social Communication (1975-1976), was a graduate student at Marquette University (1978-1980), and was an administrative assistant at the Jesuit Seminary Guild in Milwaukee (1986-1987).
In 1989, Nick became an assistant in the Marquette University computer center where he honed his skills with this “relatively new” technology. In 1991, Nick left academia and focused his ministerial energies on the Society’s internal governance. He was an administrative assistant in the Wisconsin Province Office (1991-1992) before becoming the business manager for the Institute of Jesuit Sources which was located in Saint Louis (1992-1998). As the new century was approaching, Nick was missioned to Rome where he was the regional secretary to the American assistant to Father General (1999-2005).
Upon his return to the U.S.A., Nick spent twenty years performing pastoral ministry and various special projects while living at Marquette University (2005-2014) and St. Camillus Jesuit Community.
Nick was a devoted Jesuit and priest. He was patient, detail-orientated, focused, and completed what he started. These qualities not only made him a great teacher but also an excellent administrator. He willing performed the “behind the scenes” tasks which helped the organization run well. He became – and remained – friends with countless colleagues and coworkers. Although he might not always have realized it, Nick always earned the respect, trust, and love of those with whom he engaged.
Fr. George Winzenburg, SJ, Nick’s superior, shared these words:
Nick was a fine Jesuit who loved being a priest. He had a rich understanding of liturgy and a deep devotion to the Eucharist. He was compassionate to all who approached him with a pastoral need.
He was a successful teacher who excelled at tutoring students who needed help with their assignments. He was kind and thoughtful to staff at St. Camillus; he earned their respect and their gratitude for being good-spirited and cooperative with their care.
When computers were introduced in schools, Nick worked long and hard to create databases for development offices and alumni relations. He used his growing knowledge of computer programs to support the publication of Jesuits sources and to computerize province catalogs and necrologies. He used his skills in Rome where he served as a secretary in the Curia.
Nick had only a few relatives; his nieces and their children thought the world of him.
Fr. Thomas Manahan, SJ, has these reflections:
Nick and I have been friends for nearly 40 years. A teacher at heart, Nick held himself and others to high standards. He was a many-layered individual who was creative, detailed, crafty, and well-read. His discipline and perseverance were tapped by his service on several Province and assistancy projects. His ability and willingness to nurture and sustain relationships with office staff and employees were surprising and inspiring. Nick was a caring and devoted brother, uncle, and great-uncle as well.
