Pope Francis was the 266th Pope in Catholic history. However, unlike all his predecessors, he was a Jesuit! You didn't know that. Right? Many people, including Catholics, do not differentiate between Jesuit and Roman Catholicism. That's a topic for another day. Let us focus on Pope Francis as a Jesuit.
As the first Jesuit Pope in history, Pope Francis has made history. He officially took office on March 13, 2013; since then, he has had a significant impact on the globe and the church. His Jesuit upbringing has shaped many of his deeds and decisions throughout his life.
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Who Established Jesuit?
It is a question asked by many people. Saint Ignatius of Loyola established the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits, in the sixteenth century. It is a religious order with the Catholic Church. The order aims to make the Gospel known while serving as an example of faith and selfless service to others. Jesuits are renowned for placing a high priority on education and their dedication to social justice.
How has Pope Francis dealt with poverty?
Since his election, Pope Francis shifted attention to social justice and poverty. He travelled across several continents to fulfill his mission. He urged for a "poor Church for the poor" and frequently denounced injustice and economic inequality. He pushed for action on climate change and served as an advocate for the environment. Additionally, he acted as a mouthpiece for immigrants and refugees, demanding a more sympathetic approach to the refugee crisis.
Pope's Upbring And The Church
Pope Francis' Jesuit upbringing also shaped how he viewed the Church. He highlighted the value of kindness, forgiveness, and dialogue within the Church. He pushed for a more open, accepting, and inclusive Church. He emphasized the importance of pastoral care and accompaniment for marginalized people.
Discernment
Pope Francis's emphasis on discernment was one of the most fundamental ways his Jesuit upbringing informed his papacy. Discernment, the process of making decisions in the context of prayer, lay at the core of the Jesuit way of life. It entailed hearing God's voice, as well as listening to one's conscience and the advice of others. Pope Francis praised the virtue of discernment within the Church and urged Catholics to embrace it as a tool for decision-making.
