<p>Pope Francis I is a Jesuit. Many thought that is what precluded his election in 2005. Now at 76 he was an afterthought. But surprises come out of conclaves and this is a big one.</p>
<p>When he comes to New York, I am sure he will visit Fordham.</p>
<p>Cardinal Egan, retired, of New York said on NBC, "I wonder what they are thinking over at Fordham now?" LOL.</p>
<p>We welcome the new Pope and hope and pray he brings about much needed reforms of the Curia and Vatican.</p>
<p>I just saw the Fordham facebook post of their bell ringing.</p>
<p>Why would being a Jesuit have previously precluded him from being Pope? (This asked by a (lapsed) Catholic)</p>
<p>Rome has always considered the Jesuits a little bit subversive. I think the drama and intrigue started in the middle ages. BTW Rome has a long list of Catholic and Christian orders that were once considered subversive.</p>
<p>What a great day for the Church! :)</p>
<p>I agree. Indeed, it is a great day for the Church.</p>
<p>The Society of Jesus (The Jesuits) have always had a strained relationship with Rome, despite their Superior General residing in Rome. The Jesuit Superior General was always referred to sarcastically as the Black Pope, because of his black cassock. (cf. the red Cardinal cassocks, and all white Papal vestments and garb). The Jesuits have always had a mind of their own and have a long history in Spain and France being at odds with Papal authority and sometimes theological differences. They swear allegiance to the Pope lest they be excommunicated, but they do not answer to any archdiocese or bishop. In the 60’s through the late 1990’s they were involved deeply in Latin American political controversies and “liberation theology” which taught “the Living Bible is how we practice on earth and help the poor and oppressed, and not in large cathedrals with guilded walls and statues funded by the aristocracy.” Pope John Paul II came to Latin America on one trip and on the front page of Time Magazine was seen publicly scolding a Jesuit on the tarmac in front of his airplane…finger wagging scolding. The Pope had no particular affinity to wallstreet and capitalism, but he was concerned about the Jesuits going too far into governmental controversies and civil wars…indeed some helped Sandinistas it is alleged. </p>
<p>Jesuits are all about taking the Bible out of the Church and into the community: Community Service and Social Justice. That is a good thing. </p>
<p>Pope Francis will be doctrinally very orthodox, but probably left of center politically. Focusing on the poor and oppressed…taking the best of Liberation Theology without engaging in civil wars. </p>
<p>I am Jesuit educated. I have known conservative Jesuits and extremely liberal Jesuits. Avery Cardinal Dulles, SJ, deceased, was a fairly conservative Jesuit. A Fordham treasure. But Fordham also has some liberals on its faculty…some of them have been provocative enough to get “attention from Rome.” I will leave it at that. </p>
<p>My personal views are a kaleidoscope. Some orthodox liturgical stuff, mostly out of fond childhood memories, and some more loose reigns on the doctrinal stuff…but this isnt about me. </p>
<p>Hope that helps.</p>
<p>Every Jesuit college we applied to, had a nice post on FB today, celebrating Pope Francis I, as a Jesuit! IMHO, Jesuits are the more liberal free thinkers of the Catholic Church who also place great focus on critical thinking, service, inquiry and social justice.</p>
<p>Habemus papem! Amen.</p>
<p>Fr. McShane interviewed on CNN and PBS about Pope Francis, the first Jesuit Pope. Enjoy!</p>
<p>[Fordham</a> Community Reacts to New Pope](<a href=“Fordham University”>Fordham University)</p>
<p>It is a wonderful, wonderful happening for many reasons – not least of which, Francis the first Jesuit pope. So many of us love the Jesuits for their commitment, and for their intelligent obedience (not many of us can be both) to a Church which carries so much beauty and history…and so much baggage. Especially these days. St. Francis’ calling was based on Christ’s plea, My Church is falling into ruin…repair my Church! Pope Francis’ asking for the people’s blessing, and his stunningly appropriate blessing of the media, indicate that he is at least going to listen and be sensitive. I am also very grateful for the fact that he is from the America, and a Latinamerican, and from an immigrant family, and working class, and…most important of all, holy. It is a hard to believe that the local, smaller institutions can be adequately rejuvenated (parishes, schools, etc) given the crisis of US diocese everywhere but at least Christians can admire this holy and humble man, across denominations, which can only help.</p>