Reinforcing the mission: Pope Leo XIV meets with Father General
On 20 June, Pope Leo XIV received Father Arturo Sosa in audience at the Vatican. The meeting between the Holy Father and Father General underscores the deep and historically significant relationship between the Holy See and the Society of Jesus.
While the precise details of their conversation remain undisclosed, meetings of this sort are customary, and serve as opportunities for direct dialogue on the life and mission of the Church, particularly as they concern the Universal Apostolic Preferences and the work of the Jesuits in the Church.
Following the death of Pope Francis, Fr Sosa had sent out a letter to the whole Society, reiterating the Society’s availability to receive from the Vicar of Christ on earth “the mission with which we can offer the best service to the universal Church”. Father General underlined that this is “one of the characteristic dimensions of the charism received through Saint Ignatius and the early fathers, founders of the Society of Jesus”.
The relationship between the Pope and the Society of Jesus is unique, especially since it is closely linked to the fourth vow of obedience to the Supreme Pontiff concerning missions. This vow ensures that the Society is closely aligned with the Holy Father’s priorities, as we seek to respond courageously to the signs of the times and serve the needs of the world in fidelity to the Gospel.
[All photos © Vatican Media]
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