Jean Marie Louis Bonfils, S.M.A. (born 15 February 1930) is a French Roman Catholic prelate, who served as Bishop of Viviers from 1992 to 1998 and as Bishop of Nice from 1998 until his retirement in 2005. He later served as Apostolic Administrator of the Ajaccio from 2011 to 2012.
Bonfils was born on 15 February 1930 in Montpellier, France. He entered the Society of African Missions (S.M.A.) and was ordained a priest on 7 December 1954.
He taught theology in Lyon (1958âÂÂ1962) and at the Major Seminary of Ouidah in Benin (1962âÂÂ1964). He later served as master of novices in Chanly, Belgium (1964âÂÂ1968), and held leadership roles within the Missions africaines of Lyon. From 1978 to 1984 he was secretary general of the Conference of Major Superiors of France. Between 1987 and 1992 he served at the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life in Rome.
On 28 November 1992, Pope John Paul II appointed Bonfils Bishop of Viviers. He received episcopal consecration on 10 January 1993; the principal consecrator was Jean Honoré, assisted by Bishops Jacques Jullien and Henri Brincard.
During his episcopate, he was involved in missionary cooperation within the Bishops' Conference of France.
On 28 August 1998, Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of Nice. He served in that capacity until 28 March 2005, when his resignation was accepted upon reaching the canonical retirement age.
On 23 September 2011, he was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ajaccio. He served until 22 February 2012.
During this period, he was publicly involved in pastoral discussions reported in French Catholic media, including clarifications regarding sacramental practice.