Shortly after his election, Pope Leo received the Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Fr. Arturo Sosa. But the first time he officially welcomed a larger group of Jesuits took place on October 24, 2025, when he met with us — the participants of the Jesuit Major Superiors Meeting in Rome.

The Pope’s address that day was his first major message to the entire Society of Jesus, and it quickly became the highlight of our gathering. The Society exists in service to the Church, and our mission flows directly from the Roman Pontiff. To be present at that encounter with the Holy Father was, for me, an experience of deep joy and gratitude.

Both in what he said and in the way he engaged with us, I sensed a profound harmony and mutual understanding between the Pope and the Society. Having been a religious himself, he clearly knows us well. He spoke with empathy and insight — like one of our own. I felt that he truly embraces, appreciates, and confirms the mission of the Jesuits today.

It was especially meaningful to us that the Pope reaffirmed the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus, first approved by Pope Francis. Continuing the vision of his predecessors, he invited us to be present at the frontiers — those places where our mission is most needed and most fruitful. These frontiers, he reminded us, are not only geographical, but also cultural, intellectual, and spiritual. They “are places of risk, where familiar maps are no longer sufficient.” What we need in such places is discernment — and to discern means to remain deeply in touch with God.

The Pope also encouraged us not to be afraid of “letting go of long-cherished structures or roles,” since this openness allows us to go deeper and remain available for new endeavors. Where there is thirst for God, he called us to foster a personal relationship with Jesus. Where there is injustice, he urged us to work for systemic social change.

After the audience, as we shared our impressions among ourselves, it was clear that every provincial and member of the Jesuit Curia had been deeply moved and inspired. For me, that meeting felt like a confirmation of our Jesuit vocation — a sign that our way of proceeding, our mission, and our service are fully valued within the life of the Church.

It was, without doubt, a moment of great spiritual consolation — one that renewed my faith, strengthened my sense of purpose, and gave fresh direction for the journey ahead.

Dalibor Renić SJ, JCEP President