Jesuit roots and a Papal vision: Pope Francis’s conversation with Pedro Chia, SJ
In a recent interview, Pope Francis pulled back the curtains and offered a glimpse into his daily life, the challenges of his papacy, his vision for the Society of Jesus and the future of the Church. The HolyFathergranted this interview in May 2024 to Pedro Chia SJ, director of the Jesuit Communication Office of the Chinese Province in the Apostolic Palace of the Vatican.
A part of the conversation focused on the four Universal Apostolic Preferences which he entrusted to the Society of Jesus five years ago. Pope Francis, in his profound manner, reiterated that the UAPs are interrelated and should not be separated. They, thus, must be embodied collectively.
Pope Francis also responded to a question on the Spiritual Exercises, noting thatthey help him – “sometimes one thing more than another” - depending on the circumstances. However, he emphasized that heoftenseeks for accompaniment… “to listen first before deciding”, so as not to make mistakes.In his personal prayer, he says that he often prays for the” grace of being forgiven.”
Naturally, some of the questions touched on the Church in China, and Pope Francis did not hide his desire to visit the Asian country, particularly the Shrine ofSheshan in the Songjiang District, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians. The Pope said he would like to meet with the Bishops and the people of Godin China who “have gone through so much and remained faithful.” He addressed a message of hope to the young people of China, reminding them that hope is “a very beautiful thing.”
Responding to a question on the challenges that he has faced during his papacy, Pope Francis acknowledged that he has tried to resolve them through dialogue, patience, and a good sense of humour – something he has prayed for daily for over 40 years inspired by the prayer of St. Thomas More. He cited the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, Myanmar and Palestine as some of these challenges.
On a more personal note, Pope Francis shared that he manages his busy schedule by living guided by a well-organized routine, and thanks to the support of those around him. He also stressed the importance of delegating – highlighting the place of teamwork in managing the immense responsibilities of the papacy.
When asked about what advice he has for whoever would be his successor, Pope Francis stressed the importance of prayer because “the Lord speaks in prayer.”
Looking ahead, Pope Francis shared his dreams for the Church, which according to some will be “a smaller, more reduced Church”.
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Pope Francis is making his 45th apostolic journey from 2 to 13 September, visiting Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore. This marks his return to Asia since 2019, when he visited Thailand and Japan.
Let us pray that each of us listen with our hearts to the cry of the Earth and of the victims of environmental disasters and the climate crisis, making a personal commitment to care for the world we inhabit.
Let us pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and the common good, taking caring of those who have lost their jobs and giving priority to the poor.
A change of perspective that leads to the need for a new economic, environmental and social paradigm.
Let us pray that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick grant the Lord’s strength to those who receive it and to their loved ones, and that it may become for everyone an ever more visible sign of compassion and hope.
Let us pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys fraught with danger and violence, may find welcome and new living opportunities in their host countries.
