Jesuit priest on what a Jesuit Pope can bring to the papacy
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis is the first Jesuit Pope in history but how do other
Jesuits feel about having one of their brothers as head of the Catholic Church? Father
James Martin is a U.S. Jesuit priest and author of the book “The Jesuit Guide to (Almost)
Everything”. He talked to Susy Hodges about Pope Francis’ pontificate so far. Listen
to the extended interview with Father James Martin: As a fellow Jesuit,
Father James Martin says he is “absolutely delighted… and very proud” about the election
of Pope Francis who is the first Jesuit Pope in history. “I think he’s been teaching
us in both words and deeds, the way that Jesus did, talking about tenderness in his
first homily and also showing a lot of tenderness in his actions with people.” Asked
what he believes a Jesuit Pope can bring to the post, Father Martin points to the
Society of Jesus’ very rich spiritual patrimony but says he believes the most important
contribution that Pope Francis as a Jesuit can bring to the post is his “deep personal
relationship with Jesus”. The author of many books, Father Martin has written about
the importance of having a sense of humour and being joyful as a Christian and says
these characteristics were evident right from the very first appearance of Pope Francis
on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. He points to the new Pope’s “demeanour,
his laughter, his smiles”…. saying “joy just radiates from him”.