Pope Francis Meets Jesuits: Insights & Encounters In Belgium
Could the seemingly routine act of a religious leader meeting with his order reveal deeper insights into his character and the core tenets of his faith? Pope Francis's meetings with his fellow Jesuits, a recurring feature of his travels, offer a unique window into his beliefs, priorities, and the very essence of his papacy.
Pope Francis, during his apostolic journeys, often carves out a private moment to connect with his Jesuit brothers. This practice, seemingly a personal courtesy, actually underscores the profound influence of his Jesuit formation on his pontificate. These private encounters, rich with dialogue and shared history, offer valuable context to his public pronouncements and actions.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 24, 2025, at age 88 |
| Nationality | Argentine |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Ordained Priest | December 13, 1969 |
| Ordained Bishop | June 27, 1992 |
| Created Cardinal | February 21, 2001 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Papal Name | Francis |
| Areas of Focus | Mercy, Poverty, Social Justice, Environmentalism |
| Key Writings | Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) Laudato Si' (On Care for Our Common Home) Fratelli Tutti (On Fraternity and Social Friendship) |
During his last full day in Belgium, on a Saturday evening, Pope Francis met with his fellow Jesuits at Saint Michel College in Brussels. It was a moment of camaraderie, a private exchange that offered a glimpse into the heart of a man who has become a global figure. This gathering, as with similar meetings held during his apostolic trips, was a testament to the enduring impact of his Jesuit upbringing.
These encounters are not merely social occasions. They are opportunities for the Holy Father to engage in frank conversations, to answer questions from his Jesuit brothers, and to share his perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the Church and the world. Transcripts of these meetings are often published, providing a valuable resource for understanding Pope Franciss thought process and priorities. The transcript of the meetings during his trip in September was published on October 8 by La Civilt Cattolica, an Italian Jesuit journal.
The emphasis on mercy, so central to his papacy and underscored by the 2015 extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, can be traced back to his Jesuit roots. His devotion to Jesus' Sacred Heart, the subject of his 2024 encyclical Dilexit Nos, and his commitment to practices of poverty are all deeply rooted in his formation within the Society of Jesus. Jesuit Father Bruce Morrill, the Edward A. Malloy Chair in Roman Catholic Studies, has noted this influence, highlighting how the Popes core beliefs are shaped by his foundational training.
On that same Saturday, Pope Francis addressed a larger gathering at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Koekelberg. He spoke to bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, seminarians, and pastoral workers. Among those present were Father Thierry Dobbelstein, SJ, the provincial of the Jesuits, and members of the Belgian Jesuit communities. His presence at this public event, alongside his private meeting with the Jesuits, underscores the dual nature of his ministry: his public leadership and his private spiritual grounding.
The meeting with approximately 150 Jesuits from Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands provided a more intimate setting. During this encounter, he addressed the role of women in the Church, encouraged the Jesuits "not to be afraid of anything," and reiterated his call for the Church to be a beacon of hope and compassion. These recurring themes in his pontificate the importance of women, the call to courage, and the centrality of mercy resonate throughout his interactions with his Jesuit brothers.
These personal interactions allow the Pope to share his vision for the Church. These gatherings provide an invaluable opportunity to unpack complex issues and explore the core tenets of faith, offering a chance to engage directly with those who are tasked with carrying out the Churchs mission in the world.
Father Antonio Spadaro, SJ, has compiled 18 of these conversations in his book titled Sii Tenero, Sii Coraggioso (Be Tender, Be Courageous). The title itself comes from Pope Franciss words to Jesuits in the Democratic Republic of Congo in February 2022, where he urged them to embrace their mission with compassion and courage. This book offers another layer of understanding, providing a deeper dive into the Pope's thought process and the advice he shares with his order.
The concept of encountering Jesus is at the heart of Pope Francis's teachings. He often speaks of how our lives are transformed when we encounter Jesus, emphasizing that it's that relationship that creates possibilities. This is not merely a theological idea; it's a call to a more profound, intimate relationship with the divine. The Pope has consistently spoken about the importance of this personal relationship, emphasizing that it is through this connection that true change and growth can occur.
The Ignatian practice of colloquy, a conversation with Jesus during imaginative prayer, may well inform this perspective. By encouraging this personal relationship, Pope Francis is inviting the faithful to a more profound and individual encounter with Christ, which is often rooted in the practices of his Jesuit formation. This emphasis on personal encounter is a recurring theme, offering hope and inspiration in a world often defined by division and uncertainty.
The excerpt from the Pope's statement during the Angelus prayer in Brussels on Sunday, September 29, offers a glimpse into his global concerns. He expressed his pain and concern for the expanding and escalating conflict in Lebanon. This illustrates the Pope's commitment to global issues, particularly the conflicts and struggles that affect the vulnerable.
During a festive encounter, Pope Francis encouraged young people in their faith, inviting them to allow the Lord to guide them in love. His words, "Young people make noise!" reflect his understanding of youthful energy and his call to engage actively in faith. His perspective shows an appreciation for the vitality of youth, underscoring the importance of allowing young people to experience their faith fully.
In his address to journalists aboard the papal plane on Sunday, September 29, Pope Francis responded to criticism and clarified his position on women. He addressed remarks he made during a September 28 visit to a Catholic university in Louvain, Belgium, saying that it is an "obtuse mind" that intentionally misunderstands his position. He stated, "I always talk about the dignity of women." This highlights the Pope's commitment to dialogue, his willingness to address criticisms, and his consistent affirmation of the dignity of women.
The Pope's autobiography provides another layer of understanding, touching on widespread societal problems, while his invocation of the "culture of encounter" is a practical response to them. His focus on encounter is intended as a solution to the challenges presented by a fractured world. He has promoted understanding and compassion as a way forward, encouraging people from different backgrounds to come together.
His personal life, including his love of sports, provides another example of this. This is a way of emphasizing his belief in the importance of shared experiences as a means of promoting understanding and dialogue. This approach reflects his commitment to reaching out to all people, regardless of background or belief, and finding common ground.
The core message of Pope Francis remains consistent: when we encounter Jesus, our lives are transformed. This transformative relationship, rooted in faith and compassion, is the foundation for all possibilities. The Pope's words are a call to personal transformation, highlighting the potential for change that comes from an encounter with the divine. This underscores the idea of the importance of a personal, transformative encounter with Jesus.
The Pope's meetings with the Jesuits, his public addresses, and his personal reflections all contribute to a cohesive vision of faith and leadership. These are not isolated instances; rather, they form a unified approach that emphasizes the importance of mercy, courage, and the culture of encounter. The value lies in understanding the Pope's vision.
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