So many things are going on here in Rome this time, but I guess there are two things “catching” international curiosity: one, the “intolerant” (to say the least) attitude of some professors and students in La Sapienza University in Rome to the point of refusing the visit of Pope Benedict XVI last Thursday, and the Pope’s response of “va bene...(okay, visit cancelled!); two, the ongoing 35th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus, with the latest news today – the election of the successor of St. Ignatius of Loyola – in the person of Fr. Adolfo Nicolás. The new Superior General of the Jesuits is Spanish by birth, but “purified” in Asia, specifically in Japan, Korea and the Philippines. In fact, before his election to the office, he was the President of the Jesuit Conference of East Asia and Oceania. I found these interesting insights of Fr. Nicolas about inculturating the charism of St. Ignatius in Asia, if you are curious to know how the man "thinks."
And more, you can click here if you want to hear his hopes during this ongoing General Chapter. I love the last part!
Personally, I'm grateful the Pope accepted him (the Pope needs to confirm the election of the Jesuit General before it could be announced!). With the choice of this capable and enthusiastic missionary, we can somehow guess what (and where!) are the priorities of the Jesuits in this millennium! They may not be this Pope's priorities per se -- but then it could be a good pastoral strategy: with Fr. Nicolas and his Jesuits, he has both the "west" and the "east" taken care of!
