Rome, April 24, 2025 — General Curia of the Society of Jesus

In a heartfelt press conference held at the Jesuit General Curia in Rome, Father General Arturo Sosa, S.J., offered a moving tribute to Pope Francis, honoring the late pontiff as a brother Jesuit, a disciple of Christ, and above all, “a man of God” whose life was rooted in profound spiritual conviction and tireless service to humanity.

“We gather not merely to mark the end of a pontificate,” Fr. Sosa said, “but to celebrate the life of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, a man who allowed himself to be shaped entirely by his faith and his mission to serve humanity.”

Addressing a room filled with journalists and members of the global Jesuit community, Father General warmly welcomed all present and expressed deep gratitude for their presence. He began by acknowledging the many roles that Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis, had taken on throughout his life, from Jesuit provincial and Archbishop of Buenos Aires to Bishop of Rome. But beyond the titles and duties, what stood out most, he emphasized, was Pope Francis’ unwavering identity as a man of God.

“Once he chose to be a disciple of Jesus,” he said, “his deep motivation in life was to put God's will into practice—that is, to contribute to the transformation of humanity to make this world a worthy home for all human beings.”

Fr. Sosa reflected on the profound spiritual foundation that defined Pope Francis’ approach to leadership. From his early years in the Society of Jesus to his papacy, Fr. Sosa noted that throughout his pontificate Pope Francis was never one to chase popularity and was not driven by popularity or political approval but by a clear desire to discern and follow God’s will. He remained firmly anchored in the Gospel and in the prophetic tradition of the Church, knowing full well that truth-telling and justice-seeking would not always be well received. His leadership was marked by a constant effort to listen, to discern, and to act in response to the signs of the times always in prayer, and always in intimate dialogue with his Lord.

Fr. Sosa emphasized that Pope Francis was never one to shy away from difficult truths. Shaped by the Gospel and the lives of prophets and saints, he knew that his decisions would not always be universally accepted. Yet, he remained steadfast in his commitment to dialogue, prayerful discernment, and faithful service.

In this spirit, the Society of Jesus encouraged reflection not only on the man himself but also on the message he embodied. Pope Francis invited all people Christians and non-Christians alike to work toward a common dream: a dignified life for all, a planet that serves as a shared home, and a global community built not in spite of cultural differences, but enriched by them.

“Francis taught us that being a leader in the Church means listening to the cries of the poor, to the groaning of creation, to the Holy Spirit in the midst of history,” said Fr. Sosa.

“A man who knew how to acquire God's merciful gaze on human complexity and gave his life to open up greater spaces for common life.”

Amid questions about the future of the Church and the coming papal conclave, as the Church prepares for the upcoming conclave, Fr. Sosa refrained from speculating about the future, instead reminding those present of the enduring mission of the papacy.

“I understand perfectly well that you have in mind the ‘after’ of Pope Francis,” Fr. Sosa acknowledged. But with trust in the Holy Spirit, he emphasized, the Church now turns to the task of discerning its next shepherd, not a successor to Francis, but to Peter.

“The conclave meets to elect Peter’s successor, not Francis’,” he said. “Each pope is chosen to wear the 'fisherman's sandals' that Jesus placed at the head of the community of his followers,” he explained.

Reaffirming the Society of Jesus’ foundational commitment to serve the Church under the direction of the Holy Father, Fr. Sosa concluded by pledging the Jesuits’ readiness to serve the next pontiff.

“For over 450 years, Jesuits have taken a special vow of obedience to the Pope regarding mission,” he said. “We now stand ready, as always, to place ourselves at the service of the new Holy Father, wherever he may ask us to go.”

In closing, Fr. Sosa invited the global Church to carry forward the legacy of Pope Francis by building a world where dignity, mercy, and fraternity are not ideals, but daily realities.