Father Arturo Sosa, the superior general of the Society of Jesus, spoke to Marguerite de Lasa of La Croix about the mission of the Jesuits in the world, the global reorganisation of the Catholic Church, the abuse crisis, and synodality
“Similar to the Church, the Jesuits find themselves in a diverse array of contexts—in Ukraine as well as in Russia, in Israel as well as in Palestine, and in South Sudan—dedicated to proclaiming the gospel while fostering reconciliation and justice.” Father Sosa remarked, speaking about how the Jesuits are responding the significant challenges of today’s world.
He noted that the society’s mission is driven by four universal apostolic preferences that define its identity: guiding individuals to God through the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius and the process of discernment; assisting those who are impoverished and marginalised, “accompanying young people in building a future filled with hope, and working with others to safeguard our common home in the face of environmental degradation.”
Addressing Church’s shift from the north to the south and what the Church in the Global South cam offer the Church in the Global North, the Jesuit superior general said that he preferred to speak of a Catholic Church with a universal vocation.
“I want to remind people that it was not the Church, but governments that created the colonial system in these so-called ‘Southern’ countries,” he said adding that there is a deep appreciation and respect for the kindness of Christians from the North who spread the gospel, fostering its inculturation and enabling a faith with distinct traits to grow from its cultural foundations. “They made the multiculturality of the Church possible as we know it today. In saying this, I do not forget or justify the complicity that often existed between colonial powers and certain sectors of the Church,” he said.
The Christian communities of Latin America, Africa, and Asia now contribute, through their diversity and creativity, to the Church’s catholicity, allowing it to grow interculturally and intergenerationally. This is a sign of a reconciled humanity, living this diversity as a richness rather than antagonism
“The Christian communities of Latin America, Africa, and Asia now contribute, through their diversity and creativity, to the Church’s catholicity, allowing it to grow interculturally and intergenerationally. This is a sign of a reconciled humanity, living this diversity as a richness rather than antagonism,” Father Sosa told La Croix.
Turning his attention to the abuse crisis, Father Sosa noted, “It has given a voice to victims, allowing their pain to be acknowledged, as well as their courage and contribution to justice. This crisis has led to the implementation of processes of reparation and reconciliation, where possible, along with prevention policies.”
He said that the solutions encompass both the conversion of individuals and the transformation of institutions, adding that this change involves crucial aspects such as transparency in procedures and decision-making, along with a dedication to accountability. “Institutions that are not used to this become zones of insecurity,” he noted.
Referencing the abuse case involving Marko Rupnik, the artist and theologian, who was expelled from the Society of Jesus in 2023 and is facing a canonical inquiry, Father Sosa said, “We are not yet able to fully evaluate this case, as it is ongoing. In such situations, listening to all involved parties is essential while avoiding misinformation and cover-ups,” stressing, “The most important thing for the Society of Jesus is to care for the victims: We believe them and thank them for their testimony.”
I want to remind people that it was not the Church, but governments that created the colonial system in these so-called ‘Southern’ countries
He said that reparation must be sought for harm caused, beyond the judicial procedures. “The society has chosen to assume its responsibilities. Today, we encourage restorative justice processes whenever conditions allow,” he told La Croix.
Asked what the Church would need at the end of the present pontificate, Father Sosa remarked that Pope Francis has been working to bring the ideas from the Second Vatican Council to life, which emphasizes a Church made up of all baptised individuals who make up the people of God on the move “which we call synodality. The synodal process we are experiencing leads to a deep renewal of the Church.”
The Jesuit superior general emphasised, “This process cannot stop here: it will take time for it to fully take root in the Church. In the political sphere, we witness the difficulty of leaders engaging in dialogue and the weakening of democratic regimes and culture.”
Father Sosa said, “The synodal experience shows that there are other ways to manage relationships between people and between states. Deepening and consolidating the synodal Church would be a beautiful contribution to the history of humanity.”
