Pope Leo XIV has offered his spiritual encouragement to Jesuits around the world, calling on them to remain “at the frontiers” of the Church’s mission.

The Holy Father met with delegates of the Society of Jesus in Rome on 24 October, as part of the 10-day Meeting of Major Superiors convened by Father General Arturo Sosa SJ, to “consider the state, the problems and the initiatives of the universal Society.”

The gathering brought together 78 Provincials, Presidents of Conferences, and Superiors of Regions, totalLing 101 participants, representing the Jesuits’ global network of provinces, regions, and missions.

Among those attending was the Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Britain, Fr Peter Gallagher SJ, who joined Jesuits from across the world in prayer and discernment for the mission of the Society today.

Presenting the delegation to the Pope, Fr Sosa reiterated the Society’s availability to serve the universal mission of the Church, wherever the Holy Father desires.

In his address, Pope Leo XIV told the Jesuits: “The Church needs you at the frontiers. Go where the need is greatest and where the Gospel is least known. Do not be afraid of the difficulties.”

The Pope also encouraged the Jesuits to “keep alive your love for Christ and your zeal for the Church,” and to remain attentive to “the signs of the times [which] are given by the Spirit to those who seek to serve faithfully.”

The Pope’s message was received as a source of spiritual encouragement for Jesuits and their collaborators engaged in ministries ranging from education and ecology to refugee support and interreligious dialogue.

You can read more about the  audience with the Pope at the Jesuits global website.

Photo courtesy of the Jesuit Curia in Rome