A Jesuit Franciscan. - Guest Voices A Franciscan Jesuit for pope
What can we make of the Argentine Jesuit pope who has chosen the
name Francis? Jesuits and Franciscans are both Catholic, but
they do represent different forms of Catholic spirituality. In
times past, the Jesuits and Franciscans have also had their
share of disagreements—over mission territory, over involvement
in secular affairs and over the finer points of theology.
Jesuits are celebrated for their complexity; Franciscans are
admired for their simplicity. Jesuit spirituality values
discernment and decision-making, and a prayerful consideration
of possibilities and choices. It is a way that emphasizes
detachment from the passions. Franciscan spirituality embraces
an ethos of sharing, a sharing not just of possessions, but also
of love and experience. It is a way recognizes our reliance on
the mercy of God. Jesuits, of course, have a well-deserved
reputation as the intellectuals of the church—a quality that
finds expression not just through teac