The following is an excerpt of a letter from Father General Arturo Sosa, SJ, to all members of the Society of Jesus.

Pope Francis kept a watchful eye on what was happening in the world to offer a word of hope to all. His extraordinary encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Fratelli tutti reveal not only a lucid analysis of the state of humanity, but, in the light of the Gospel, they also offer ways to eliminate the causes of so much injustice and to promote reconciliation. For Pope Francis, dialogue with one another, between political rivals or between religions and cultures, is the way to continue to propose peace and social stability, to create environments of mutual understanding, care for one another and support in solidarity.

On many occasions, we listened to his words, his pastoral reflection and we admired his tireless activity, as he proposed initiatives or joined those of others, always convinced of the value of the word and of encounter. How could we forget the extraordinary moment of prayer he himself called for in the face of the coronavirus emergency in March 2020, in an empty St. Peter’s Square? Or the constant concern for peace in the face of intolerance and wars that threaten international coexistence and generate untold suffering among the most defenseless. Or the empathy of his heart with the immense flow of forcibly displaced persons throughout the world, especially those compelled to risk their lives crossing the Mediterranean.

We accompany Pope Francis with our hearts and prayers in his definitive encounter with the God of unconditional love and infinite mercy whose face Pope Francis showed us with his life and teaching. Confident that the Lord is welcoming his faithful Servant to the banquet of heaven and moved by his example, we renew our desire and our commitment to follow Jesus poor and humble and to serve his Church.