P. Arturo Sosa of the USG Highlights Francis’ Legacy
The Superior General of the Jesuits and President of the USG reflects on the impact of Pope Francis and his call to live the Gospel with renewed vigor.
In an emotional farewell message, P. Arturo Sosa, Superior General of the Society of Jesus and President of the Union of Superiors General (USG), shared a profound reflection on the significance of Pope Francis’ pontificate, highlighting his closeness, his synodal guidance, and his impetus for the conversion and mission of consecrated life. This document reveals how Pope Francis has marked a before and after in the way the Church and, in particular, consecrated life, understand their role in today’s world.
For twelve years, Pope Francis presented himself as a “companion on the journey” for consecrated life, establishing a constant dialogue and promoting a true synodality, according to P. Sosa. His experience as a Jesuit religious allowed him to deeply understand the challenges and joys of consecrated life, as well as the complexities of pastoral leadership. The USG, in the words of P. Sosa, emphasizes Pope Francis’ openness to encounter, who regularly convened the superiors general to dialogue openly, without the presence of the press or officials of the Holy See, fostering a space of freedom and sincerity.
One of the pillars of Pope Francis’ legacy, according to P. Sosa’s document, is his insistence on the importance of “initiating processes of life rather than occupying spaces of power” (Evangelii gaudium). This perspective has illuminated the memory of the USG leaders, allowing them to understand the path of transformation that Pope Francis has traced for the Church. The text uses the image of the disciples of Emmaus to illustrate how the encounter with Pope Francis has left a “direction to follow” and a “new energy” to walk in the mission.
P. Sosa’s document emphasizes that Pope Francis has promoted “processes of conversion” in consecrated life, inviting a “humble acknowledgment” of faults and frailties, and a greater fidelity to the Gospel. Furthermore, he has renewed the awareness of the mission, focusing it on “welcome, encounter,” and commitment to the poor and marginalized, transcending the limits of institutions. This call to mission is complemented by a “process of renewal of the mystique,” a walking with Christ and falling in love with Him that revitalizes consecrated life.
The encyclical Dilexit nos is presented by P. Sosa as a “testament” of Pope Francis, an invitation to live the human and divine love of the Heart of Jesus in fullness. The document concludes with a call to welcome and transmit the heritage of Pope Francis, trusting that this will lead to a “new vitality” of the vocation, a gift of the grace of the Holy Spirit that transcends human limitations.
The message of P. Arturo Sosa is an eloquent testimony to the profound impact of Pope Francis on consecrated life. His legacy continues to inspire the Church to live with the joy of the Gospel and to be a protagonist of the Kingdom of love.
Download the Complete Document (in Spanish)
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