Welcoming new Jesuit Leader

Posted on 27. Oct, 2016, in Christian Values, Church Teachings, Community, Faith and JusticeComments Off on Welcoming new Jesuit Leader

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The new leader of the Jesuits worldwide, Fr Arturo Sosa, is “decisive, visionary and has a great sense of humour,” according to Gerry Whelan SJ, an Irish Jesuit who lectures in the Gregorian Univiersty in Rome.

Gerry describes Fr Sosa as a very decisive man, familiar and comfortable with leadership roles. He says he’s not afraid to get into the middle of complex or fraught situations in order to work for a good outcome. A native of Venezuela, he was involved in mediation role with the controversial government of Hugo Chávez. He set up a university in one of the poorest regions of the country. And his academic credentials leave him well-place to understand societal and political structures.

In this telephone interview with Pat Coyle of Irish Jesuit Communications, Gerry gives his reaction to news of the election in one word – joy. He explains how the murmuratio – the unique Jesuit process to elect a leader – has once again resulted in the right man for the task ahead. He notes also the significance of the Society electing a non-European for the first time in its history.