In a message to Jesuits and mission partners around the world, Father Arturo Sosa SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, expressed joy at the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, offering prayers for the new pontiff and reaffirming the Society’s historic availability for service to the Church.

The new pontiff, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is the first American-born pope and the first member of the Augustinian order to lead the Catholic Church, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who was the first Jesuit pope.

In his letter, Fr Sosa invites us to accompany the Holy Father with prayer and availability. He calls on the Jesuit community to renew "one of the characteristic dimensions of the charism received through Saint Ignatius and the early fathers, founders of the Society of Jesus, namely, the willingness to receive from the Roman Pontiff, Vicar of Christ on earth, the mission with which we can offer the best service to the universal Church."

He continues: "As my predecessors did with previous Popes, I have communicated to the Holy Father Leo XIV the availability of the Society of Jesus to offer our cooperation wherever and however his universal vision considers we can give the best of what we are today. I have also assured Pope Leo XIV of the prayers of the whole body and of each member of the Society of Jesus."

You can read the full letter from Fr Arturo Sosa SJ here.

The Jesuits in Britain join Fr General in praying for Pope Leo XIV as he begins his new ministry as the spiritual leader of the global Catholic Church. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen him in his service. Read the message from Fr Peter Gallagher SJ, Provincial of the British Province of the Society, here.