From March 13 to 23, 2025, Father Arturo Sosa conducted a series of visits to Jesuit institutions in Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt, emphasizing the Jesuits' dedication to education, social development, and interfaith dialogue in the region.​ The visit started in Jordan where he visited the local Jesuit community in Amman, which is formed by 3 Jesuits (from Egypt, India and Malta).  Already in Lebanon, Father Sosa visited Saint Joseph University (USJ), commemorating the university's 150th anniversary and the Feast of Saint Joseph. During his visit, he delivered a speech highlighting the university's historical significance and its role in fostering academic excellence and societal progress. He also celebrated a homily reflecting on the legacy of Saint Joseph and its inspiration for the university community. Transitioning to Egypt, Father Sosa arrived in Minia, where he engaged with the local Jesuit community and their various initiatives. He visited the Gad-el-Sid Social Center, established in the late 1960s, which offers social, educational, and recreational activities to the local community, irrespective of religious affiliation. Father Sosa participated in a Ramadan breakfast with the center's children and youth, symbolizing the Jesuits' commitment to interfaith dialogue and community building. ​ Father Sosa continued his visit in Minia by meeting with Jesuit priests undergoing their tertianship, the final stage of Jesuit formation. He provided guidance and encouragement as they prepared for their final vows and future missions. The visit concluded with a cultural event featuring a theatrical performance by Nubian youth, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Nubian community and reflecting the Jesuits' dedication to promoting cultural diversity and artistic expression.  

This year marks a significant moment of reflection and commitment within the Society of Jesus. As the Society commemorates the 30th anniversary of Decree 14 of General Congregation 34 (1995); emphasizing that women’s participation is central to the integration of faith and justice; and the world remembers the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action adopted by the UN Fourth World Conference on Women, the theme of this International Women’s Day, “Accelerating Action”, resonates deeply with the voices of women who have shaped the Society’s journey with hope and urgency. Women in the Ignatian Tradition For centuries, the Ignatian tradition has honoured the wisdom, faith, and strength of women. The Society especially recognizes Mary, the Mother of Jesus, whose Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) exemplifies God’s transformative grace. Women have played integral roles in education, formation, apostolic works, and leadership, offering insights rooted in deep encounters with the Gospel. Their presence has shaped the Society of Jesus, mirroring Mary’s openness and responsive love. This history invites the Society to reimagine structures and practices for a more inclusive future. Women’s contributions within the Jesuit tradition are not supplementary; they are foundational. Whether serving as educators, administrators, spiritual companions or leaders, or in support roles, their work is vital to fostering a mission that is both transformative and deeply rooted in justice. Their stories of faith, resilience, sensitivity and service mirror the path of Mary; one of contemplation, courage, and decisive action. This history calls for recognition of the necessity of their participation in shaping the Church’s and the Society’s future. Synodality and Women’s Voices A truly synodal Church requires the authentic voices of women to be heard and integrated into collective discernment. In 2021, Father General Arturo Sosa, SJ, established the Commission on the Role and Responsibilities of Women in the Society of Jesus to ensure that women’s voices are more deeply engaged in shaping Jesuit mission. With six lay women, one religious sister, one lay man and five Jesuits, it has worked to assess the implementation of Decree 14. One of its most significant initiatives was a global survey conducted in 2023, reaching approximately 1,400 collaborators. Following the survey’s completion, a qualitative phase was conducted, involving in-depth individual and group interviews with lay women, lay men, religious sisters, and Jesuits, as well as focus group discussions. All participants had prior experience with the Society and its programs, whether as employees or volunteers. It convened in Rome last November for analysis and spiritual conversation toward fulling our mandates, including discernment of recommendations. The final report is nearing completion and will be presented to Father General in the third quarter 2025. Women’s Leadership in the Society of Jesus Ignatian spirituality thrives on the dynamic interplay between contemplation and action. Women have embodied this balance, leading initiatives in education, formation, and outreach. Their contributions continue to illuminate paths of innovative and compassionate ministry. Their leadership, service and proposals are not just a call for inclusion but a catalyst for transformative mission. Women in Jesuit institutions have led efforts in theological reflection, social justice advocacy, and pastoral care. From academic institutions to grassroots community movements, their leadership demonstrates a commitment to faith and justice that is at the core of Ignatian spirituality. Their ability to nurture and guide communities has helped policies and structures that better serve the marginalized. A Call for Discernment and Collaboration As the Commission nears completion, we encourage continued engagement in deep reflection. The inclusion of women is not just about justice – it is about enriching the entire mission of The Society. Their voices, perspectives, and leadership are integral to discerning how best to serve today’s world. Looking ahead, the work of the Commission highlights the importance of creating systems that empower women within the Society. By acknowledging their unique experiences and the transformative power they bring to ministry, education, and social justice, the Society of Jesus moves closer to fulfilling its call to justice, reconciliation, and shared mission. Listening to the Spirit’s Invitation and Call to Ongoing Discernment As the Society of Jesus continues to advance its commitment to justice and reconciliation, the full participation of women remains essential to its mission. The work of the Commission reminds us that inclusion is not just about representation but about recognizing the transformative power of diverse voices in shaping a Church and society rooted in faith and justice. The call to action is clear: to listen, to discern, and to respond with courage.

The executive directors and programme officers of the Xavier Network gathered in Vienna from 26-28 March, 2025 for a meeting hosted by Jesuit Mission Austria at the Kardinal König Haus. This biannual gathering provided  a vital space to deepen collaboration across our international network and to reflect on our common mission, emerging challenges, and strategic priorities. The meeting opened with words of welcome from Fr. Helmut Schumacher, S.J., and Fr. Dalibor Renic, S.J., President of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials. Their remarks set the tone for three days of thoughtful conversation, discernment, and renewed commitment to global solidarity. A range of key topics were explored throughout the sessions. Fr. Alberto Ares, S.J., Director of Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Europe, provided an update on the One Proposal—a coordinated emergency and recovery response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis supported by the Xavier Network. His reflections emphasized the strength of joint initiatives and the potential for continued collaboration in responding to humanitarian crises. This spirit of collective action was echoed in a session with Fr. Roberto Jaramillo, S.J., Secretary of the Social Justice and Ecology Secretariat (SJES) in Rome. He spoke of the Secretariat’s current priorities and spoke about the role of advocacy in today’s global context, particularly in the run-up to  COP30 in Brazil. Fr. Filipe Martins, S.J., European Social Delegate and member of the “COP30 Core Group”, also gave some details of the global campaign in preparation for this event. There was also time in the agenda for a reflection on the relationship between the Xavier Network and Fe y Alegría. Fr. Dani Villanueva, S.J., General Coordinator of Fe y Alegría, and Nate Radomski, Executive Director of American Jesuits International, presented proposals developed by a working groups. They underscored the mutual value of “network-to-network” collaboration and outlined concrete steps to strengthen this partnership moving forward. Participants turned their attention to the structure and functioning of the network itself. A review of the Programmes Working Group sparked important questions around coordination, shared learning, and future directions. There were reports from the communications, fundraising, and safeguarding working groups, along with reflections on how the network is responding to the impact of diminished U.S. funding on Jesuit partners like JRS and Fe y Alegría. Looking to the future, a dedicated strategic planning session continued the discernment process initiated at last year’s meeting in Madrid. Participants explored how the Xavier Network might adapt its structures and relationships to meet evolving needs, while remaining grounded in the mission and values of the Society of Jesus. The meeting closed with a moment of gratitude and transition. Paul Chitnis, Director of Jesuit Missions UK, concluded more than 13 years of dedicated service as a member of the Executive Committee. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and contribution. At the same time, we warmly welcome Nate Radomski to the Executive Committee, confident that he will bring fresh insight and energy to the role. Nate joins Martin Iriberri SJ from Spain, Katrin Morales from Austria and Jenny Cafiso from Canada, who also serves as the coordinator of the Xavier Network. As we departed Vienna, we carried with us a renewed sense of purpose—rooted in shared faith, strengthened by global partnership, and committed to advancing justice and peace in all that we do.

On March 1, a memorial day was held at the Loyola Faculties in Paris to remember and acknowledge the suffering endured by those who were attacked by Jesuits in France and Belgium and to allow the Jesuit Province of French-speaking Western Europe to reiterate its shame and desolation, as well as its commitment to the service of truth and justice. This day was initiated by Fr. Thierry Dobbelstein SJ, Provincial, together with victims involved in processes launched with the Commission for Recognition and Reparation (CRR) in France since 2022 and with Dignity in Belgium since 2011. “It was essential that this step of recognition and this joint approach take place. We’ve been receiving testimonies for about ten years, and it is important that we, victims and witnesses, as well as Jesuits, commemorate the attacks suffered—together.” Fr. Thierry Dobbelstein SJ The day was designed for and with the victims of Jesuits: a group of about twelve people, victims and Jesuits, had been meeting since October 2024 to prepare this memorial, guided by two independent professionals in a co-construction process. Through these meetings, the memorial day took shape, centered on the voices of the victims and utilizing various forms of expression—particularly art—to try to express what is often beyond words. All victims of Jesuit violence were invited. On March 1, around thirty victims attended, accompanied by about twenty relatives. The morning brought together 80 people: the victims, their relatives, and Jesuits in leadership positions. Victims who chose to do so shared their testimonies through texts, poems, drawings, photos—punctuated by musical interludes. It was a difficult time, because “speaking means reliving the attacks,” but necessary because, as Damien, a victim and member of the collective, reminded everyone: “We know that our words will free others to speak.” A shared meal followed. In the afternoon, the gathering expanded to about 40 additional participants—superiors and members of Jesuit communities from France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, along with partners (CRR, CORREF, COREB, CEF, CEB). A prayer service was held at the Church of Saint Ignace in Paris. Before the altar, the Gospel of Saint Matthew echoed: “Woe to him through whom scandal comes.” Throughout the day, art offered moments of respite and beauty. In the heart of the church, a dancer in white performed a choreography set to Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater. Highlights: Sister Samuelle, mosaic artist and survivor of abuse by former Jesuit Marko Rupnik, presented her mosaic work made from slate, gold leaf, and small stones: “Mosaic lets us piece together what has been broken—not to restore it as it was, but to reorganize it, giving it a different life.” Victims shared powerful testimonies, lit by candlelight, describing the control, suffering, and perversity of their abusers—and the devastation wrought upon their lives. Fr. Arturo Sosa SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, wrote a letter read aloud, expressing “shame and confusion at what men of the Church, Jesuits or associated with our institutions, have done to innocent people,” and for those who failed to act at the time to prevent, punish, or support victims. A conversation followed with Christine Boucabeille (victim), Patrick C. Goujon SJ, and Guilhem Causse SJ, reflecting on the weight of silence. Goujon noted: “Silencing the cry is the worst suffering for the victim.” In conclusion, Fr. Thierry Dobbelstein SJ addressed the victims and their families: “I present to you, trembling, a request for forgiveness. This request imposes no response. If the irreparable cannot be fully repaired, may these words—and the words and actions of today—help make your wounds bearable. The wounds do not fade, but I hope they heal.” He emphasized the importance of prevention, stating: “It’s not just ‘Blessed are those who mourn with,’ it’s also ‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice.’ In recent years, our prevention policy has evolved significantly to make Jesuit institutions as safe as possible. I know the work is not finished, but I am committed to continuing it—through awareness-raising, training for all involved, open reception of complaints and testimonies, and cooperation with judicial authorities.”

The new Superior of the Czech Province of the Society of Jesus will be Pavel Bačo SJ. He was appointed by Father General Arturo Sosa SJ by decree dated March 4, 2025. He will take over the office of Provincial from his predecessor Petr Přádka SJ; the actual date of the handover will be announced later. Pavel Bačo was born in 1974 in Brumov-Bylnice. He joined the Society of Jesus in 1992. He studied philosophy at the Hochschule für Philosophie in Munich and theology in Dublin, Ireland. In 2001, he moved on to postgraduate studies in systematic theology at Heythrop College in London. He was ordained a priest on April 6, 2002. He completed his third probation in 2011−2012 in Dublin, and took his final vows on November 27, 2012 in Brno. After returning to the province, he worked mainly in university pastoral care at Jesuit churches in Olomouc (2003-2011) and Brno (2012-2016). Since 2016, he has been the rector of the Church of St. Ignatius in Prague and the superior of the Prague Jesuit community (since September 2018). Since 2020, he has been working at the international novitiate in Birmingham, UK, where he holds the role of socio novice master, and also serves as a chaplain for university students at the University of Birmingham.

Arts, sports and meetings were on the agenda for this special week for the 2,500 students of the Jesuit colleges Saint François Xavier de Verviers, SFX1 and SFX2 (primary and secondary). Around thirty Jesuits went to meet these young people in order to inspire fraternity and commitment among them. It was a first for the city of Verviers. The "Jesuit week", a tradition organized for several years within the Belgian and French networks of Jesuit schools, took place this year in this district capital of the province of Liège. Unifying activities On the program: art, sports and meetings to develop fraternity between students and schools but also to arouse curiosity and encourage the commitment of young people. The opportunity for Fr. Thierry Dobbelstein SJ, Provincial, to speak: "  This allows students to discover what a Jesuit is, and above all, that their school belongs to a network. A network with hundreds of thousands of students. Here, in Verviers, it is exceptional since we have two schools that are part of the Jesuit network. We would like each of these young people to become men and women, with, and for others. Young people who will be aware of the challenges and who will commit themselves to a better world. They are already getting active by running to support an association . " Meet the Jesuits and their vocation Coming from Paris, Toulouse, Namur and Ankara, around thirty Jesuits made the trip to meet these students. This was the case of Father Bernard Peteers SJ who answered questions from a CE2 class. Joannie Delvaux, a teacher at SFX2, recounted: “ My students were sitting in a circle, eager to listen to his testimony. He began by telling his life story and his choice to become a Jesuit. The first questions came very quickly. What struck me was Father Peeters’ kindness and attention to each student. Without judgment, taking the time he needed, he tried to answer each one clearly and with great humanity. Not afraid to share his joys and sorrows, Father Peeters spoke about the importance of relationships. I have rarely seen my students so focused for 50 minutes!  ” Students and teachers delighted "  The gathering  ", "  The enrichment  " and "  The hope  " Here are a few words collected at the microphone of the students involved in the story of the event. Students and teachers delighted with the course of this week and the discovery or rediscovery of the Jesuits. "  It was really rich, we were able to share moments together, attend testimonies and shows [...] it was a magnificent week  " says a teacher at the microphone of his student. Some would even have liked to go further "  I would have liked to spend more time with the Jesuits, talk with them and be able to explore certain things  in more depth" confides a student to his classmate. A slight taste of too little that testifies to the importance of passing on to a still curious youth. The Jesuit week is over but the adventure continues for these students and for the adults who accompany them, more aware of the project that brings them together!