Society of Jesus Pays Tribute to Pope Francis, the First Jesuit Pope in History

ROME, 21 April 2025 — The Society of Jesus has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of Pope Francis, who served as the Bishop of Rome and Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church for more than twelve years. In a statement issued by Superior General Arturo Sosa, S.J., the Jesuits honour the life, legacy and spiritual leadership of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, their brother in the mínima Compañía de Jesús.

A Faithful Servant and Brother in Christ

The Jesuits joined the global Church and all people of goodwill in mourning, while holding firm to the Christian hope in the resurrection. “We are disquieted by his departure,” said Fr. Sosa, “and yet a deep sense of gratitude springs spontaneously from our hearts to God the Father… for the way in which Pope Francis knew how to guide the Church during his pontificate.”

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope, is remembered not only for his Petrine ministry but for his deep commitment to the spiritual charism of Ignatian life. He exemplified synodality, a Church that walks together, and always placed prayer at the heart of his ministry.

A Global Voice of Hope and Dialogue

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis championed the values of dialogue, reconciliation and solidarity. His encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti revealed a keen awareness of the world’s suffering and offered Gospel-rooted pathways to justice and peace. “He kept a watchful eye on what was happening in the world to offer a word of hope to all,” the statement noted.

The Jesuits particularly remembered his call for prayer during global crises, such as the powerful moment in March 2020 when he stood alone in a rain-soaked and empty St. Peter’s Square during the COVID-19 pandemic, praying for the world.

A Heart for the Marginalised

His empathy for refugees, his appeals for peace amidst global conflict, and his insistence on the dignity of the marginalised remain defining aspects of his ministry. The Jesuits recalled his pastoral reflection and tireless activity in championing those on the peripheries.

Anchored in Prayer and Discernment

The letter also reflects on Pope Francis's strong emphasis on the inner life of prayer, spiritual discernment, and consolation. These values were at the heart of his approval of the Jesuits’ Universal Apostolic Preferences, particularly the call to “show the way to God through the Spiritual Exercises and discernment.”

His papacy consistently returned to the importance of trust in God and familiarity with Him. “Please do not forget to pray for me” became his trademark sign-off, echoing his deep humility and reliance on divine grace.

Joy as a Mark of the Mission

“He affirmed that the Jesuit is a servant of the joy of the Gospel,” wrote Fr. Sosa, echoing Pope Francis’s vision of mission grounded in joy, service, poverty, and freedom from ambition. His apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium set the tone for a pontificate that viewed joy not as an emotion but as a foundational stance in the Christian mission.

A Final Farewell with Gratitude

“We accompany Pope Francis with our hearts and prayers in his definitive encounter with the God of unconditional love and infinite mercy,” the Jesuits declared. Inspired by his life and teaching, the Society of Jesus renews its commitment to follow Jesus “poor and humble” and to serve His Church with the same joy, courage, and pastoral tenderness that marked the life of Pope Francis.

By Catholic Connect Reporter