By Deanna I. Howes, Director of Communications, AJCU
Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J. Presides During a Mass of Thanksgiving at the Church of the Gesu in Rome (Photo by GC36)
On Friday, October 14th, Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J. was elected the 31st Superior General of the Society of Jesus during General Congregation 36 (GC36) in Rome. The former Provincial of the Jesuits in Venezuela, Fr. Sosa is the first Superior General to hail from Latin America. Click here to learn more.
Over the past two weeks, Jesuit colleges and universities have offered tributes and prayers for Fr. Sosa, including Canisius University, John Carroll University, Loyola University Chicago, Rockhurst University, University of Detroit Mercy and Xavier University. AJCU President Rev. Michael J. Sheeran, S.J. says, “Fr. Sosa’s history of academic strength and practical activism makes me especially eager for his leadership of the Society of Jesus.”
Of note, Fr. Sosa has ties to Loyola University Maryland, Georgetown University and AJCU. In 2004, Fr. Sosa served as a visiting professor at Georgetown University. During his tenure in Washington, D.C., he resided at Leonard Neale House with former AJCU president, Rev. Charles L. Currie, S.J. And of note, Fr. Sosa’s nephew, Rafael Castillo, is a 2016 graduate of Loyola University Maryland.
Since electing Fr. Sosa as Superior General, the delegates of GC36 have continued their meetings to set priorities for the Society of Jesus in the years to come. On Monday, October 24th, they were also paid a visit by Pope Francis, who came to pray and meet with them in the aula of the Jesuit Curia in Rome.
For more stories, videos and photos on Fr. Sosa and GC36, please click on the titles below:
Press Conference with Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J.
First Homily of Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J. As Jesuit Superior General
Analysis by Crux of New Jesuit Superior General
Analysis by America Magazine of New Jesuit Superior General
Videos from GC36 on YouTube
Photos from GC36 on Flickr
Photos and information are courtesy of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States and General Congregation 36. To learn more, and to follow daily coverage of GC36, please visit gc36.org.