In the wake of the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, Rome has been packed full of pilgrims from far and near, who have come to pay their last respects to Papa Francesco, who served as the successor of St Peter for nearly 13 years. His death has left a void in the hearts of millions around the world, who looked to him for guidance and inspiration.

The Society of Jesus, in a particular way, has been deeply touched by the passing of Pope Francis – the first Jesuit Pope. In a heartfelt address, Father General Arturo Sosa paid tribute to the Argentine Jesuit, reflecting on his life, Petrine ministry, and legacy during a press conference organized on 24 April 2025 at the Aula of the General Curia of the Society of Jesus. Father Sosa’s message was simple and clear: to share the Society’s deep appreciation for the spiritual leadership and prophetic voice of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known to the world as Pope Francis.

In honoring Pope Francis, Father General stressed his character as a “man of God” whose “approach to people and the situation in each context in which he lived is only grasped in its depth from the recognition of his spiritual experience”. This fundamental aspect of Francis’ life shaped his pastoral mission and courageous engagement with the world.

Father General added that from Pope Francis’s earliest decision to follow Christ, he committed himself to a life rooted in discernment, prayer, and a deep motivation to “put God's will into practice”, to “contribute to the transformation of humanity, and to make this world a worthy home for all human beings”.

Among the many important legacies that Pope Francis left behind, Father Sosa highlighted that, among others, he put into practice the dream of a dignified life for all, pushed for a common home in which we can all live as brothers and sisters, and held up cultural differences as opportunities to enrich each other.

As the Church now faces the inevitable question of what comes next after thesede vacanteperiod, Father Sosa offered a measured and faith-filled response. “The conclave meets to elect Peter’s successor, not Francis’ successor”, he stated, emphasizing that it is the Holy Spirit who guides the Church through this transition. The conclave to elect the next Pope is set to begin in the coming weeks, as the cardinal electors prepare to choose a new supreme pontiff for the Catholic Church.

He stressed that the “Society of Jesus was born to serve the mission of the Church under the direct direction of the Pope”. True to this mission, he reechoed the Jesuit tradition of obedience and service. He affirmed, “As soon as the new Pope is elected, we will make ourselves available to him, as we have done for more than 450 years.”

Later, that same day, a Mass of thanksgiving for the life of Pope Francis was celebrated at the Church of the Gesù in Rome. Jesuits, collaborators, and friends gathered around the Eucharist to pray for Francis – not only as a Pope or a Jesuit, but as a fellow pilgrim who allowed God’s mercy to shape his life.