On 17 October, members of the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM) and the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP) gathered in Rome for a historic meeting—their first full in-person encounter after several online exchanges over the past decade. The meeting brought together the presidents of both conferences, Fr. José Minaku, SJ, and Fr. Dalibor Renić, SJ, along with 23 other members, to deepen collaboration and discern the evolving mission of the Society of Jesus across continents.

Since 2008, the two conferences have worked together through a joint body, the Commissio Mixta, which coordinates shared projects and fosters exchange between the regions. Fr. Minaku opened the meeting with a compelling address on reimagining collaboration in light of the universal mission of the Society. He posed a challenging question: “Are the Provincials of Africa, Madagascar, and Europe ready?” Ready, he said, for the demographic shift described in De statu Societatis—a shift that calls for renewed ways of living solidarity within the global body of the Society.

Fr. Minaku emphasized that the mission entrusted to Jesuits in Africa, Madagascar, and Europe is far too great for any single province to face alone. True solidarity, he noted, must go beyond the exchange of funds or personnel; it should become a genuine sharing of gifts, people, and resources in service of the universal mission.

Fr. Renić reflected on the history and fruits of collaboration through the Commissio Mixta, including joint projects in Malta, Madrid, and the African Historical Institute. He also highlighted ongoing partnerships among Jesuit networks and institutions, as well as bilateral collaborations between provinces. Participants also connected online with the leaders of two current initiatives—Fr. Jean Nymbo of the ARISE project in London and Fr. Jean-Marc Balhan, Superior of the Jesuits in Turkey.

Group reflections during the meeting expressed strong appreciation for the value of gathering in person, which fostered deeper mutual understanding and solidarity. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration, recognizing the need for clearer goals, a more balanced exchange between North and South, and stronger personal relationships. They approved a proposal to expand the Commissio Mixta by adding one member from each conference and emphasized the importance of greater collaboration in formation—through staff exchanges and short-term experiences for scholastics.

The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of unity, confirmation, and purpose—strengthening bonds for a shared mission in service of the global Society of Jesus.