Pope Francis In Brussels: Key Moments With Jesuits & More | News
Can the simple act of engaging in sports truly be a catalyst for spiritual growth and fostering understanding in a fractured world? Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pontiff, believed wholeheartedly in the power of connection, seeing it as a cornerstone of his papacy and a means of navigating the complexities of modern society.
The life and teachings of Pope Francis have consistently emphasized the importance of dialogue, compassion, and encounter. His papacy, marked by a deep commitment to social justice and reaching out to those on the margins, has been a testament to his belief in the transformative power of human connection. From his early days as Archbishop of Buenos Aires to his role as the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has consistently championed the "culture of encounter," a concept central to his vision for a more just and compassionate world. This approach, outlined in his autobiography, serves as a practical response to widespread societal challenges, ranging from economic inequality to the erosion of community.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | April 24, 2025 |
| Previous Title | Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires |
| Ordination as Priest | December 13, 1969 |
| Episcopal Ordination | June 27, 1992 |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Motto | Miserando atque eligendo (Having mercy, he called him) |
| Religious Order | Society of Jesus (Jesuits) |
| Key Writings & Initiatives |
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| Influence | Advocate for the poor and marginalized; reformer within the Catholic Church. |
| Reference Website | Vatican Website |
During his apostolic journeys, Pope Francis consistently sought opportunities to connect with people from all walks of life. His visits often included private moments with local Jesuit communities, offering a space for fraternal conversation and dialogue. He met with Jesuits from Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands on several occasions, including a gathering at Saint Michel College in Brussels. These meetings, often unscripted, allowed for candid exchanges and the sharing of experiences. A transcript of such an encounter, for example, was published by the Italian Jesuit journal La Civilt Cattolica.
In the fall of 2024, from September 26th to 29th, Pope Francis's visit to Luxembourg and Belgium provided ample opportunities for such encounters. He spent several days in Belgium, accepting invitations from KU Leuven and UCLouvain, two universities celebrating their 600th anniversaries that year. His agenda included visits to universities and meetings with students and faculty, extending his reach to include the younger generation. This trip to Belgium included a stop in Verviers, marking a first for the city. The focus was on inspiring fraternity and commitment among young people. This visit was not just symbolic; it was a practical demonstration of his call to bridge divides and build understanding.
One particularly poignant example of Pope Francis's commitment to engagement can be found in his use of sports as a means to encourage connections. He recognized the universal language of sports and its potential to create spaces for dialogue and shared experience. His passion for sports, a perhaps unexpected aspect of his personality, served as a practical tool for fostering encounters. During a festive encounter, he encouraged young people in their faith, inviting them to allow the Lord to guide them in love.
His words to young people were clear: "Young people make noise!" He challenged them to embrace their youth, not to be passive, encouraging them to actively participate in the world around them. He saw boredom and passivity in young people as a loss of their potential, as a failure to embrace the vitality of their stage in life. This sentiment reflects his broader vision of an engaged and vibrant Church, one that is present and active in the lives of its members.
In his homily during mass on September 29th in Brussels, Pope Francis spoke candidly, deviating from his prepared text to urge bishops to hide nothing, "condemn abuses" and assist perpetrators in getting help. He addressed sensitive issues with directness, reflecting his commitment to transparency and accountability within the Church. His willingness to confront difficult topics head-on demonstrated his dedication to truth and justice.
Pope Francis's commitment to the dignity of women was another recurring theme throughout his pontificate. "I always talk about the dignity of women," he said, underscoring the value he places on their contributions. During his meetings and addresses, he consistently addressed the role of women in the Church, encouraging Jesuits "not to be afraid of anything" and reiterating his call for their voices to be heard. His perspective, however, was the subject of critical discussion. Aboard the papal plane to Rome, he responded to criticism of remarks he made about women during a September 28th visit to a Catholic university in Louvain, Belgium. These discussions, along with his remarks, illustrate the complexity of addressing the role of women within the Church and the ongoing dialogue surrounding gender equality.
The Popes engagement with the press, both on the ground and aboard the papal plane, also highlighted his emphasis on transparency and open communication. During these interactions, he responded to questions and addressed concerns, fostering a dialogue with the media. He called a press release "premade" and "not moral" for having been written "in the moment in which I spoke." His directness and honesty in his interactions with the press reflected his desire for clear and open communication, even when addressing complex or controversial issues.
The death of Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pope, on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, marked the end of a papacy defined by a deep commitment to encounter and dialogue. Father General Arturo Sosa, S.J., invited prayers for the repose of Pope Francis's soul and addressed a letter to the entire Society of Jesus. His legacy of promoting social justice, the importance of human connection, and the willingness to engage with the complexities of the modern world will continue to inspire and challenge people around the globe.
His autobiography repeatedly touches on the widespread societal problems, and Pope Francis's invocation of the "culture of encounter" is a practical response to them. One (perhaps surprising) concrete example he uses as a means of encouraging these moments of encounter is his own passion for sports.
The Jesuit order has played a crucial role in shaping Pope Franciss worldview, influencing his emphasis on education, social justice, and intellectual rigor. He often spoke of the importance of discernment, a key Ignatian practice, in making decisions. The Ignatian practice of colloquy, a conversation with Jesus during imaginative prayer, might be a part of the Pope's thoughts about encountering Jesus, and its that relationship that creates possibilities.
The pope, formerly Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died April 24, 2025, at age 88. During his apostolic journeys, Pope Francis frequently met with local Jesuits, offering a space for fraternal conversation. This tradition underscores the significance of the Jesuit community in his life and ministry. Father Antonio Spadaro, S.J., compiled 18 of these conversations in his book, Sii Tenero, Sii Coraggioso (translated as "Be Tender, Be Courageous"). The book draws its title from Pope Francis's words to Jesuits in the Democratic Republic of Congo in February 2022, where he urged them to commit wholeheartedly to their mission with both compassion and courage.
Pope Francis's life and legacy serve as a reminder of the power of encounter, dialogue, and compassion in a world often marked by division and conflict. His dedication to the "culture of encounter" will continue to inspire individuals, communities, and the Church to build bridges, foster understanding, and strive for a more just and humane society.
