An important moment for the Hungarian Jesuits unfolded between May 25th and 30th with the visit of Father General Arturo Sosa SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus. Father General met not only with his fellow Jesuits in the cities/villages of Budapest, Arló, Miskolc, and Marosvásárhely, but also with collaborators and benefactors who support their mission.

In a wide-ranging interview, Father General shared his impressions and insights on the Hungarian Province, the future of the Jesuit mission, and the broader challenges facing the Society of Jesus.

A Warm Welcome and Deep Fraternal Spirit

Father Sosa expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality and excellent organization of the visit. “From the moment we arrived on Hungarian soil, we experienced a fraternal atmosphere,” he noted, emphasizing how this spirit reflected a healthy, vibrant local community.

A Universal Body with Local Roots

Reflecting on the Hungarian Province from a global perspective, the Jesuit General highlighted the Society's vision of being one universal and apostolic body. “The Society of Jesus is not a union of provinces, but a single body,” he explained. The Hungarian Jesuits, therefore, contribute to the global mission by living the Jesuit charism in their own cultural and historical context.

Apostolic Plan Anchored in Reconciliation

The Hungarian Province’s new Apostolic Plan, approved in September 2024, aligns with the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society. Father Sosa highlighted its focus on reconciliation—between people, cultures, and within society itself—as a central theme. “Hungary’s complex past and present show how urgent reconciliation is,” he stated.

Vital Works and Apostolic Diversity

During his visit, Father Sosa encountered a wide range of Jesuit works: the Miskolc school, downtown Budapest’s bustling pastoral and social outreach efforts, refugee ministry, and youth-focused initiatives such as university colleges and volunteer programs. He praised the balance between traditional institutions and innovative apostolic approaches.

Special mention was given to the Arló project, which brings together diverse communities through education, sports, music, and spiritual life. “This is Church in action—collaborative, incarnate, and deeply human,” he said.

The Role of Collaborators and Benefactors

Father Sosa emphasized the essential role of lay collaborators, religious sisters, and benefactors in expanding the mission. He praised the Province's transparent communication and regular reporting to donors, which fosters shared identity and trust.

Current Challenges and Strategic Priorities

Looking ahead, Father Sosa identified several key priorities for the Hungarian Province:

1. Formation: Strengthening the formation of Jesuits and lay collaborators to serve the Church’s mission with competence and spiritual depth.

2. Leadership: Preparing young Jesuits for leadership by developing their theological, administrative, and social understanding.

3. Intellectual Apostolate: Enhancing the work of the Faludi Ferenc Academy by engaging in research in the social sciences, economics, and political thought.

4. Communication: Improving internal and external communication to strengthen unity and evangelization.

A Time of Transition and Gratitude

Reflecting on the recent passing of Pope Francis, Father Sosa called him “an extraordinary man” whose pontificate deepened the Society’s commitment to mission. “Obedience to the Pope in the Society is not simply about assignments; it is about discerning God’s will through the Church,” he said.

Hope in a New Era

With the election of Pope Leo XIV, Father Sosa expressed confidence in the continuity of the Church’s mission. He spoke of Cardinal Prevost’s familiarity with the Jesuit charism and his alignment with the Church’s work of reconciliation and justice.

In closing, Father Sosa underlined the Jesuit mission’s foundational goal: to “help souls” by serving the Church and accompanying people toward God, in fidelity to the Spirit and the signs of the times.