Editorial: The Papal Message

In the 476 years since its founding, the Society of Jesus
has convened only 35 general congregations. The 36th
General Congregation was convened in Rome on October
2, 2016. A general congregation is always summoned on
the death or resignation of the head of the Society — the
Superior General — to choose his successor, or when the
General decides action is needed on serious matters that
he cannot or does not want to decide alone. 
One of the historical moments of the General
Congregation took place on October 24, 2016, when the
Pope walked into the General Congregation and addressed
the gathering. The Pope entered naturally like a Jesuit
father among others.  But his white cassock marked a
visible difference.  But that added to the perception that
there is a deep bond between the Jesuits and and Church.