The visit of Fr. General Arturo Sosa to Poland marked an important moment in the life of the Jesuit Province, bringing together celebration, reflection, and a renewed focus on mission and reconciliation. His visit, which took place in mid-May 2026, included stops in both Kraków and Warsaw, and coincided with the opening of the jubilee celebrations of the Polish Jesuit Provinces, as well as academic and pastoral gatherings that highlighted the Society’s historical presence and contemporary mission in the country. Kraków: Jubilee, memory, and mission The Kraków programme opened with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, presided over by Cardinal Grzegorz Ryś. The liturgy marked the beginning of the celebrations linked to the centenary of the reorganisation of the Society of Jesus in Poland and gathered Jesuits, collaborators, and friends of the Jesuit mission. Following the Mass, Fr. General took part in the official opening of a major international academic conference at the Jesuit University Ignatianum. The event, entitled “Continuities and Transformations. On the Centenary of the Reorganisation of the Society of Jesus in the Republic of Poland”, brought together scholars from Poland and abroad to reflect on the historical and contemporary dimensions of Jesuit presence in the region. In his address, Fr. General emphasized the identity of the Society of Jesus as one rooted in mission and reconciliation. Jesuit identity, he noted, is not static but dynamic—shaped by discernment, collaboration, and a willingness to take risks in service of the Gospel and of a reconciled world. The Kraków celebrations also highlighted the strong collaboration between Jesuits and lay partners, particularly in the fields of education, intellectual apostolate, and pastoral work—key dimensions of the Ignatian tradition in Poland today. Warsaw: encounter and mission in the capital The second stage of the visit took place in Warsaw, where Fr. General met with Jesuits and collaborators engaged in various apostolic works of the Society. A central reason for his presence in Warsaw was to preside over the Eucharistic celebration marking the beginning of the centennial jubilee commemorations of the Polish Jesuit Provinces and to pray in thanksgiving for the history and mission of the Society in Poland. A key moment of the Warsaw visit was the celebration of the Eucharist at the National Shrine of St. Andrew Bobola, a place deeply connected with Jesuit memory and witness. The liturgy was presided over by Archbishop Adrian Galbas and brought together Jesuits, friends of the Society, and members of the wider ecclesial community. In his homily, Fr. General returned to the central themes of reconciliation, mission at the frontiers, and collaboration with others in carrying forward the Jesuit apostolic mission. The visit underlined the universal dimension of the Society of Jesus and its commitment to being present where faith, justice, and human dignity are most deeply challenged. A shared celebration of identity and mission Across both cities, the visit of Fr. General served as a moment of gratitude and renewal. It connected the historical depth of Jesuit presence in Poland with the challenges and opportunities of today’s mission. The celebrations in Kraków and Warsaw highlighted not only the rich academic and spiritual heritage of the Polish Jesuits, but also the living reality of a Society engaged in education, reconciliation, and service in collaboration with many partners. As the visit came to a close, it left behind a renewed sense of belonging to a global mission—rooted in the Ignatian tradition and oriented toward hope, justice, and reconciliation in today’s world.

Leo XIV's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas , has been received within the Jesuit community as a call to discern the impact of artificial intelligence and new technologies from the perspective of human dignity, the common good, and the Church's Social Doctrine. The text, which focuses on safeguarding the human person in the context of technological transformations, particularly challenges those working in education, research, ethics, theology, and social thought. From the academic world, the UNIJES group working on artificial intelligence has praised the encyclical as a particularly relevant contribution for Jesuit universities that approach AI from a humanist perspective. Their interpretation highlights that the text shifts the debate from mere technological innovation to a fundamental question: what kind of society are we building through artificial intelligence? According to this group, the text “doesn't offer definitive technical solutions, but rather a clear moral and political framework: AI must be at the service of a more just, democratic, and humane society.” Xavier Casanovas, a member of this group and professor of Ethics and Christian Thought at IQS, considers it a “courageous encyclical” and appreciates the Pope’s clarity in stating that algorithms have no morality. He points out that “his reflection is always grounded in the tradition of the Church’s social doctrine.” One of the key points of the encyclical is the assertion that technology is not neutral, because it takes on the character of those who conceive, finance, regulate, and use it. The Pope's concern about the concentration of technological power, which makes it more difficult to govern and direct toward the common good, is one of the central issues of the text. “The real challenge lies not in developing more advanced systems, but in discerning what model of collective coexistence and what conception of the person we are promoting through them,” affirms the UNIJES AI working group. “To remain deeply human” Another important element in reading the encyclical is its connection to the tradition of Rerum Novarum and a perspective that aligns with a central concern expressed by UNIJES: preventing these transformations from amplifying existing inequalities or eroding fundamental human capabilities. “The encyclical warns that growing inequalities are fertile ground for social fragmentation and violence, and emphasizes that law and the common good must prevail over economic or geopolitical interests,” they note.  Faced with these risks, UNIJES highlights a statement with strong humanistic undertones: in the age of artificial intelligence, the main challenge is “to remain profoundly human.” For UNIJES, this statement is a “call to preserve what no machine can replace: dignity, moral conscience, compassion, the capacity for connection, and the transcendent meaning of human life.” The encyclical does not aim to provide answers, but rather to "initiate a shared discernment" The text has also been read with interest by Cristianisme i Justícia, the Jesuit center for reflection on faith, culture, and justice. Manu Andueza, head of the theological department, emphasizes that Leo XIV situates the issue in light of the Gospel and the Social Doctrine of the Church to offer a response that dignifies humanity. “The Pope seeks out new issues, those realities that are shaping the course of our world. And it is here that he places a personal concern: the question of technology and digitalization.” For this educator and theologian, “the encyclical does not aim to provide answers, but rather to initiate a shared discernment,” while also highlighting the Pope’s recognition of the autonomy of earthly realities and the distinction between the ecclesial and political communities. The head of the theological department at CJ emphasizes, above all, the call to overcome the “idolatry of profit” and to situate this necessary discernment within the framework of the common good, the principle of subsidiarity, solidarity, and social justice, precisely in line with the principles of the Church’s Social Doctrine. In an article that can be read on the Cristianisme i Justícia blog , he points out that the entire text stems from the anthropological concern that Leo XIV had already expressed on various occasions, and places the human being before the social reality he lives, in order to respond to current needs through care in these times of transformation. Manu Andueza believes that the text and its proposal require us to take time and avoid quick answers. This theologian celebrates that Magnifica Humanitas concludes with a plea for freedom linked to the formation of conscience. “Only from this freedom will we overcome slavery, new forms of colonialism, and understand the need to feel responsible for our brothers and sisters in building the common good.”

Agnieszka Baran serves as Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education of Jesuit Conference of European Provincials (JCEP) and is also Director of Jesuit Committee for Primary and Secondary Education (JECSE). In this capacity, she represented JCEP at the board meeting of the Jesuit Global Network of Schools, held in Rome from 26 to 29 May. The JGNS board brings together the coordinators of the regional JESEDU networks, alongside representatives of Fe y Alegría, Jesuit Refugee Service, and Educate Magis. As its first-ever meeting, the gathering marked an important step in strengthening collaboration and strategic coordination across the global Jesuit educational network. One of the great gifts of belonging to Jesuit education is the opportunity, from time to time, to step beyond our own local realities and experience the wider horizon of the apostolic work we share. In our schools, we are often immersed in the daily responsibilities of teaching, leadership, accompaniment, and administration. Yet moments of international encounter remind us that we are part of something much larger than ourselves. The Society of Jesus has always looked beyond borders. From its earliest days, Jesuits crossed cultures, languages, and continents in response to the needs of the world. That same spirit continues to shape our schools today. Every Jesuit and companion school is part of the Jesuit Global Network of Schools (JGNS), which brings together JESEDU schools worldwide, the educational initiatives of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), and the extensive Fe y Alegría network*. Together, this global educational family reaches an extraordinary scale: more than 3,250 schools and educational projects, serving over 2.15 million students in 80 countries. Within this network, JECSE contributes 219 schools in 21 countries, accompanying almost 175,000 students and supported by more than 16,500 educators. Behind these figures are countless stories of learning, service, faith, and transformation. And yet the true reach of Jesuit education extends far beyond what can be measured. The statistics do not include the families who journey alongside our students, the generations of alumni carrying Ignatian values into their professions and communities, or the many friends and collaborators who support our mission. They remind us that Jesuit education is not only a network of schools, but a living community of people committed to building a more just, reconciled, and hope-filled world. Last week, this global dimension became particularly tangible during the annual meeting of ICAJE (the International Commission on the Apostolate of Jesuit Education) and the JGNS Board in Rome. Representatives from different regions of the world came together to listen, share experiences, and reflect on how Jesuit education can respond to the opportunities and challenges of our time. Although our contexts vary greatly, the conversations revealed how many of our hopes, concerns, and aspirations are shared. Listening to the Global Reality, Discerning a Common Path The meeting began with regional reports that offered a rich and diverse picture of the realities facing our schools around the world. While each region brings its own unique context, challenges, and opportunities, our conversations revealed a remarkable convergence around five key priorities emerging from our apostolic planning processes: (1) Ignatian Formation and Apostolic Identity; (2) Strengthening Networking and Collaboration; (3) Leadership Development and Governance; (4) Global Citizenship and the Universal Mission; and (5) Socio-Ecological Justice and Care for the Vulnerable.  Building on this shared understanding, we dedicated an entire day to prayer, reflection, and discernment on how to strengthen collaboration across the Jesuit Global Network of Schools. Through a process of listening to one another and to the Spirit, three areas emerged as requiring particular attention in the coming years: mapping leadership formation rooted in Ignatian discernment; promoting student agency as a concrete expression of faith that does justice; and identifying, developing, and sharing effective practices that foster greater inclusion within our schools. These priorities will help guide our common efforts as we continue to strengthen our global network while responding to the needs of local contexts. Preparing the Regions for II Congress JESEDU–Montreal 2027 A significant part of our time was also dedicated to preparations for the II Congress JESEDU–Montreal 2027. This event will bring together Education Delegates from around the world and forms part of a broader process of listening, prayer, dialogue, and discernment about the future of Jesuit education. Participants also received updates on a number of international initiatives, including Educate Magis, the Global Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, preparations for the World Union of Jesuit Alumni (WUJA) Congress in Yogyakarta, and a proposed research project on Ignatian Teachers of Excellence. We also learned more about Educating for Global Collaboration – A Student Model, whose pilot phase is nearing completion and which will soon be opened to schools across the network. Rooted in Prayer, Sent for Mission As always, our days together concluded with prayer and Eucharist, reminding us that our work is ultimately rooted in God's greater project for the world. These encounters are much more than meetings. They help us remember that Jesuit education is not a collection of individual schools but a worldwide apostolic body, united by a shared vision and a common desire to serve young people.  By stepping beyond our own contexts, listening to one another, and discerning together, we strengthen our ability to respond creatively and faithfully to the needs of today's world. For JECSE, these moments are a powerful reminder that while our schools are deeply rooted in local communities, they are also part of a universal mission that invites us to walk together, learn from one another, and continue building a more just and hopeful future.   *Fe y Alegría is an international Jesuit-inspired educational movement founded in Venezuela in 1955 that provides quality education and social development programs for vulnerable and marginalized communities. It operates schools, vocational training centres, and community initiatives across Latin America, Africa, and other regions, promoting social justice and inclusion through education.

Pope Leo XIV appointed Father Anthony James Corcoran, SJ, Apostolic Administrator of Kyrgyzstan, to the episcopal dignity, granting him the titular Diocese of Aëtus, a now-defunct diocese in Greece. This happens, because there is no diocese in Kyrgyzstan. The mission in this country was entrusted to the Jesuits by John Paul II, and it currently belongs to the Greater Poland-Masovia Province (PMA) of the Society of Jesus. The appointment of a Jesuit to the office of bishop strengthens the local Church and underscores the importance of close cooperation between the diocese and the Jesuit Order.  Father Anthony was born on April 19, 1963, in Tucson, Arizona, USA. He holds degrees in political science from Marquette University in Milwaukee, the international political economy of development from Fordham University in New York, and theology from Weston School of Theology in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. He entered the novitiate of the Society of Jesus on August 14, 1985, and was ordained a priest on June 8, 1996. After ordination, he continued his studies in spirituality at Weston School of Theology and after graduating held the following positions: Director of the Interdiocesan Pre-Seminary in Novosibirsk (1998–2000 and 2007–2008); Spiritual Director of the same Pre-Seminary (2001–2005); Parish Priest of St. Joseph Parish in Berdsk, Diocese of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Novosibirsk (1998–2008); Vicar General of the Diocese of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Novosibirsk (1999–2008). In 2006 he defended his doctorate in moral theology at the Weston School of Theology and from 2009 to 2017 he was the superior of the Independent Russian Region of the Society of Jesus. On August 29, 2017, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of Kyrgyzstan. He speaks Russian fluently and recently obtained Kyrgyz citizenship. Let us commend Father Anthony and his new ministry to God.

In April 2026, Pope Leo XIV made the first-ever papal visit to Algeria. Two weeks later, Father Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, travelled to Algeria to visit the small Jesuit community there for the first time since his election in 2016. The land of St Augustine, bishop of Hippo, Algeria belongs to a region that was once a major centre of Latin Christianity. Today it is a Muslim-majority country of around 47 million people, where some 9,000 Catholics live. Father Ricardo Jiménez Sanchez, SJ, Superior of the Jesuit community in Algiers, reflects on what these days meant for the Jesuits and for the friends and collaborators, most of them Muslim, alongside whom they live and work. This is the land of St Augustine and, in our own time, a land marked by the witness of the martyrs of Algeria. To welcome here, within a fortnight, first Pope Leo XIV in mid-April and then the Superior General of the Society of Jesus two weeks later, was for us a grace given twice over: a source of joy, consolation and confirmation of our mission. For my part, I hold in memory the depth and intensity of the encounters and the moments we shared at our various gatherings. In welcoming Father Sosa and Father Victor Assouad, SJ, Regional Assistant to Father General for Western Europe and the Near East, we wanted to make space for meeting our closest collaborators, volunteers, friends, members of the local Church, and the bishops of the two dioceses where we are present.  Meeting people In Algeria, the bonds between people and the quality of human relationships matter enormously. Beyond explaining the role of the Superior General and of the Society of Jesus in a Muslim-majority country, we gave priority to meeting and exchange, to listening to one another and learning from each other’s experiences. Each of the Jesuits, only nine of us in a country of more than two million square kilometres, had a personal moment with him: to raise a particular question, to show him something of the city and its people, or to introduce him to someone in particular. Every one of my brother Jesuits played a part in the preparations, however small: cooking a meal, attending to the welcome, taking time over an explanation, preparing a presentation. We wanted to present ourselves as an apostolic body, a small one certainly, as a Minima Compagnia. Sharing a common mission Across these encounters we were able to give an account of our Jesuit mission in Algeria. In Algiers and Constantine, we work closely with Muslims and with religious sisters and brothers from different cultures and congregations. Together we met in a climate of spiritual conversation at the Centre Culturel Universitaire in central Algiers, at the Centre Nibras and the Bibliothèque Dilou in Constantine: a cultural centre, a formation centre and a library that also serves as a space for study and gathering. These institutions vary in size, but each one shows how we carry out the mission of the Society of Jesus, guided above all by the Universal Apostolic Preferences, in a country where Christianity is a minority presence. Our collaborators, most of them Muslim, share with us the substance of our mission and give it a humanist meaning rooted in common values. Each year, around 1 May, we host a gathering in Algiers with the friends and collaborators of the Jesuits at the Ben Smen House, a Jesuit spiritual centre. This time, it was Father Assouad who presented our four Apostolic Preferences to an audience that was 80 per cent Muslim; all were fully in resonance with what was said, and we carried on with a deep exchange, bearing hope. A visit that opens wider the door of hope Pope Leo XIV, on his visit to Algeria, was welcomed with open arms by the local authorities, by Algerian Muslims, by the country’s native Christians and by all of us who believe in Jesus Christ. Two weeks later, Father Sosa brought us an added measure of hope and joy. For us, there is a particular resonance between these two visits. At our gathering on 1 May, we read, prayed with and discussed the message the Holy Father delivered on 13 April at the Monument to the Martyrs of Algerian Independence, the Maqam Echahid, which honours those who died in Algeria’s war of independence. In that message, he spoke of the need to build peace by building bridges between persons and between peoples, in order to move beyond history and beyond all that can hold us back. He urged us to seek reconciliation and forgiveness. This message recalls one of the missions entrusted to us today, confirmed by the Pope and by the third Meeting of Major Superiors of the Society of Jesus, held at the Jesuit Curia in Rome in October 2025: reconciliation and justice. The hope our two visitors brought encourages us to carry on the dialogue and fraternity we live day by day with this “strong and young people”, as the Pope called them, in whose hearts “friendship, trust and solidarity are not merely words, but values that matter and give warmth and strength to your life together”. By Ricardo Jiménez Sanchez, SJ

Father General Arturo Sosa has appointed Bart van Emmerik SJ, as the Regional Superior of the Independent Region of the European Low Countries (ELC), one of the 15 provinces and 1 region that conforms the JCEP. Fr van Emmerik currently serves as the socius of the ELC Region and as delegate for spirituality. He also facilitates processes of communal discernment within the Ignatian Network and in other religious groups and communities. Born on 21 October 1962 in Haarlem, Netherlands, Fr van Emmerik entered the Society of Jesus on 19 September 1982. He was ordained a priest on 9 October 1993. He completed his Tertianship in Boston in 2000 and pronounced his Final Vows in 2001. After studying philosophy in Louvain and earning a master’s degree in theology in Amsterdam, he served as a pastoral minister in a parish near The Hague from 1994 to 1999. Following his Tertianship, he worked as a hospital chaplain in Delft from 2000 to 2002. He also served as ecclesial assistant of the Christian Life Community (CLC) in the Netherlands from 2000 to 2015 and as assistant of Marriage Encounter from 2000 to 2018. Work in spirituality has remained a consistent part of his apostolic ministry. He was a staff member at the retreat house Godsheide in Hasselt from 2002 to 2006, and later at the Oude Abdij in Drongen from 2007 to 2013. From 2013 to 2019, he was the director of Het Ignatiushuis, the spirituality center in Amsterdam, and the co-founder of a department for facilitation of communal discernment.  Bark van Emmerik SJ has been the socius of ELC Region since 2020.