Pope Francis holds the notable distinction of being the first pontiff chosen from the Society of Jesus, famously known as the Jesuits. The Jesuits are one of the most distinguished religious orders within the Catholic Church, boasting around 15,000 members including priests, brothers, and novices from over 110 nations. Their influence spans from elite universities in global capitals to simple migrant shelters in remote jungle villages, driven by their profound mission articulated through their motto “ad majorem Dei gloriam” – meaning “for the greater glory of God.”
In underscoring the essence of a Jesuit, Pope Francis once stated that a “Jesuit is a servant of the joy of the Gospel” across all forms of mission engagements, as noted by the order’s superior general, the Rev. Arturo Sosa, in a message to fellow Jesuits.
The Jesuits were established in the 16th century by Spanish St. Ignatius of Loyola, whose “Spiritual Exercises” remain pivotal in Catholic contemplative traditions. Accepting the international and missionary reach from the outset, the order has left a lasting mark over the centuries, particularly in academic spheres, by establishing numerous schools and universities globally, with the likes of Georgetown University in Washington and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Beyond academia, the Jesuits have historically placed themselves on the frontlines to assist marginalized populations, often taking positions at many border flashpoints throughout the Americas, aiding refugees affected by conflict and humanitarian disasters worldwide. This ability to transition from high society circles to serving the underprivileged has been an enduring hallmark of the order, explained the Rev. Bruce Morrill, a Jesuit priest and theology professor at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. Their mission is simply encapsulated: “God is glorified when human beings are saved,” linking their work across education, spiritual guidance, social justice, and humanitarian aid.
Founded in 1980 as a response to needs following the Vietnam War, Jesuit Refugee Service has evolved into a leading entity supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants worldwide, regardless of their religious backgrounds. Advocating for migrants has been one of Pope Francis’ core focuses, with active Jesuit Migrant Network and Jesuit Migrant Service groups operating in numerous countries to provide diverse forms of support to displaced individuals and their families left behind.
These services have proven invaluable, as demonstrated when nearly two dozen migrants from a small Guatemalan town tragically perished en route to Mexico and the United States. The families recount that the Jesuits were their sole consistent pillar of support.
In El Paso, Texas, Jesuit priest and attorney Rev. Michael Gallagher ministered to about 13,000 migrants last year, providing assistance at a now-closed shelter near the U.S.-Mexico border. “We all felt greatly supported by his emphasis on the importance of migrants,” Gallagher commented on Pope Francis’ enduring focus on human dignity.
Across the way in Texas, Rev. Brian Strassburger, another Jesuit priest, directs Del Camino Border Ministries in the Rio Grande Valley. He extolled Pope Francis as a “great pastor and pilgrim” who placed “the defense of migrants at the center of his papacy,” consistently reminding the faithful that life’s journey ultimately culminates in rest with the divine.
Despite their widespread acclaim, the Jesuits have faced political struggles and controversies over the centuries. Most notably, in 1773, Pope Clement XIV, yielding to European political pressures, ordered the society’s suppression, only for it to be restored by another pope in 1814. The Jesuits have since resumed their educational pursuits with renewed vigor.
Contemporary political tensions have also impacted the Jesuits, such as when Nicaragua’s government seized the Jesuit-run University of Central America following protests against President Daniel Ortega, whose oppression of religious freedom has been globally criticized. Further, during El Salvador’s civil war, six Jesuits were murdered on the Central American University campus in 1989 amid the church’s peace mediation attempts.
In Mexico, the 2022 slaying of two elderly Jesuit priests in the Tarahumara mountains by a crime gang leader left a profound mark on the affected communities.
Controversies involving the Jesuits extend from abuses in former residential schools for Indigenous children across Canada and the United States to allegations against ex-Jesuit artist Rev. Marko Rupnik. In 2023, the order pledged reparations to approximately 20 women alleging abuse by Rupnik, who has been expelled by the Jesuits.