This is the first meeting the new Superior General of the Jesuits had with the press. Fr. Arturo Sosa demonstrated patience and a sense of humor, even when asked if he likes to be called the 'black pope.'
FR. ARTURO SOSA Superior General of the Jesuits
'I think Mulemi is better suited for it. Regarding being called the 'black pope,' I don't like it 'The idea is to be an organization, the Society of Jesus, that can help the Church when, where and doing what the Church needs. And who is going to determine what are the needs of the Church? The pope. The pope, because his function in the Church is that.' The new general, a 68-year-old Venezuelan, says that 'the Society of Jesus wants to serve the Church within their own vocation, which is to serve the Church and support what the bishops and pope ask them to do.'
FR. ARTURO SOSA Superior General of the Jesuits
'What do I like the most about the Society of Jesus? I can give a very simple answer. Everything. What attracted me from an early age was the Jesuits are an apostolic force in many areas.'
The new superior of the Society of Jesus was a university president for 10 years and a director of a social studies center for 20. He is a governmental man, served as provincial superior in Venezuela, and is responsible for the international institutions that the Jesuits have in Rome. In addition, he is also a deeply devout Jesuit priest.
FR. ARTURO SOSA Superior General of the Jesuits
'The Jesuits have this great wealth: a spirituality that puts you in contact with Jesus incarnate and concrete situations throughout the world.'
During the meeting he said he is fine, and feels calm about his new role. He thanked his predecessor, Spanish Adolfo Nicolas, who will now return to the Philippines to work where his superior has allocated him as spiritual director of a pastoral center.
