Sons of Ignatius: Pope Francis a son of Ignatius
Fr. Niall Leahy SJ has published a three-part podcast series on the late Pope Francis as part of his podcast programme Sons of Ignatius. In the series he is joined by Jesuit author and theologian Father Gerry Whelan SJ. Together they explore some of the major experiences of Pope Francis’ life, such as his spiritual experiences as a novice, his pastoral experiences living close to the poor, and his intellectual formation as a Jesuit scholastic. See below and click the links provided to listen to each episode.
Episode One: A son of Ignatius
The news of the death of Pope Francis early on Easter Monday came as a shock to the world. After serving for 12 years as the successor of St. Peter, Francis has gone to God, bringing to an end a dramatic chapter in the history of the Church and the Society of Jesus.
Francis brought a unique set of gifts and perspectives to the papacy. While being firmly rooted in Catholic tradition, he never fitted easily into any camp, and he had an uncanny ability to draw praise and criticism from all sides.
In this episode, Fr Gerry brings us back to the Argentina of the 1950s and 60s, and presents the spiritual and intellectual currents of that place and time that shaped the young Bergoglio into the man who would go on to break the mould.
Pope Francis was a true son of Ignatius. With St Ignatius and all the saints, may he share in the glory of the Divine Majesty forevermore.
Click the Link above for episode one»
Episode Two: A son of Ignatius part II
In Part II of this three-part mini-series, Father Niall and Father Gerry continue the story of Pope Francis’ life. They begin by sharing some reflections on Pope Francis’ funeral, which turned out to be something of a geopolitical event. Fr Gerry then talks about Bergoglio’s time as a Jesuit superior when he put the Argentinian Jesuits on a new course, his period of exile and suffering called the “Cordoba years”, and his extremely influential years, nationally and internationally, as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
This is one of our longer episodes because there is a lot of ground to cover. Father Gerry believes that Pope Francis, although accused of being on the left or the right, was always a strong ‘centrist’. The Theology of the People and the discernment of spirits were his guiding lights.
Click the Link above for episode two»
Episode Three: A son of Ignatius part III
In the final episode which was completed the morning after the election of Pope Leo XIV, Niall speaks with Father Gerry Whelan SJ about the election of the new pontiff.
They discuss topics such as will Pope Leo will be in continuity with Pope Francis? And Father Whelan dives into the theological significance of Pope Francis’ pontificate and the tensions it provoked in the Church. He also suggests some ways that Pope Leo could improve upon Francis’ legacy and his synodal pathway.
