The Jesuit Major Superiors of Europe and the Near East gathered for an intensive General Assembly at the Jesuit General Curia in Rome on October 27. Having just completed a ten-day participation in the worldwide meeting of Jesuit Major Superiors, the autumn session of the Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP) was deliberately condensed into a single, demanding morning. Despite the tight schedule, the assembly effectively addressed a full agenda that required substantial preparation.

Following Up on the Global Mission

On October 17, the European provincials met with their African counterparts from the Jesuit Conference of Africa and Madagascar (JCAM). That encounter deepened a shared sense of co-responsibility for the universal mission of the Society of Jesus and strengthened our commitment to global solidarity in that mission.

Building on that spirit, the JCEP assembly opened with reflections on the key outcomes and next steps arising from both the recent global meeting of Jesuit Major Superiors and the joint session with JCAM. During the meeting, Fr. Peter Gallagher SJ (British Province) was elected as the new JCEP representative to the Commissio Mixta with JCAM.

Participants highlighted the deeply positive impact of their interactions with international provincials, especially the inspiring audience with Pope Leo, who strongly affirmed the mission of the Society of Jesus and the distinctive contribution of the Jesuit charism to the Church.

Apostolic Planning and Discernment for Europe

A central topic of discussion was the development of a new JCEP Apostolic Plan and a broader reflection on the mission of the Society of Jesus in Europe — a task entrusted by Fr. General. The provincials agreed on a unified and comprehensive discernment process, officially launching in October 2026 and continue through the assemblies in April and October 2027. A three-day retreat dedicated to this reflection will take place in 2027 as an integral part of the process. Fr. Francisco José Ruiz SJ (Spanish Province) was approved as the principal facilitator for this significant discernment initiative.

Solidarity and Key Operations

The assembly also devoted substantial attention to Fr. General’s appeal for greater solidarity in healthcare. The provincials engaged in a serious discussion about the Society’s need to support provinces and regions with limited healthcare resources. This discernment will continue, with an emphasis on exploring how the provinces with greater means can assist those in need in this crucial area.

Other key matters included the approval of the JCEP Budget for 2026 and the review of personnel requests from the General Curia.

The Provincials were reminded to encourage participation in the upcoming JCEP formation events, including: Ignatian Leadership Program – February 2026, Discernment in Common Workshop (in collaboration with ESDAC) – May 2026, Formation for Formators – July 2026.

The next in-person JCEP General Assembly is planned for April 2026 in Warsaw.