Pope Francis had a meeting with the editors of a handful of Jesuit journals published in Europe. He said that he didn't have a speech prepared and invited the editors to ask him questions, which they did - on topics ranging from reaching youth, to Ukraine and World War III.
In speaking to editors of Jesuit journals, the Pope speaks about being "pro-Putin," the heroism of Ukraine, and those who don't accept the 2nd Vatican Council
Here, we offer a brief summary of the questions. La Civiltà Cattolica of Italy has provided the original text and full English translation here.
Reality, not abstractions
Pope Francis often insists on the need to keep ourselves firmly planted in reality. Prayer, for example, is an exercise in this, he says. "To base one’s life on the Word of God, therefore, is not an escape from history, but an immersion into earthly realities..."
His advice to the journal editors once again reflected this insight.
A peaceful future
Asked about how the journals can contribute to peace in coverage of Ukraine, the Holy Father offered a nuanced answer.
He went on to reflect that "Something global is emerging, with elements that are very much intertwined," and quoted a head of state -- who he did not name -- as having told him months ago that the movements of NATO could lead to war.
World War III
The Pope went on to lament the other situations of global conflict that don't garner the attention that Ukraine gets - northern Nigerian, Congo, Myanmar, and others.
The Pope then recalled the 75th anniversary of the Normandy landings, and his November visits to cemeteries, where, he said, seeing the ages of the young men entombed there brought him to tears.
Francis spoke at some length about the heroism of the Ukrainian people -- "It is as if history has predisposed Ukraine to be a heroic country. Seeing this heroism touches our hearts" -- and said that he hopes to have a chance to speak with Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill at a general assembly in Kazakhstan in September. "I hope to be able to greet him and speak a little with him as a pastor," he said.
Spiritual renewal
Asked about spiritual renewal in the Church, the Pope said, "In the European Church I see more renewal in the spontaneous things that are emerging: movements, groups, new bishops who remember that there is a Council behind them."
There's still a long way to go in accepting Vatican II, the Pope suggested.
Restorationism has come to gag the Council. The number of groups of “restorers” – for example, in the United States there are many – is significant. ... The problem is precisely this: in some contexts the Council has not yet been accepted.
Still, the Pope said, this is somewhat normal: "It is also true that it takes a century for a Council to take root. We still have 40 years to make it take root, then!"
Jesuit leader, Pedro Arrupe
Pope Francis turned his attention to what he said he witnessed in 1974 -- "you were not yet born" -- with the "ordeal of [Jesuit] Father General Pedro Arrupe during the 32nd General Congregation."
The Pope said that today, Fr. Arrupe is seen as a saint, but that in his time, he was attacked.
Francis shared how Arrupe was "like a child" in regard to his affection for the pope. "With that spontaneous love!" But some in the order were waiting to see him "hanging from the gallows in St. Peter’s Square."
Sweden, Germany, and the youth
The Pope went on to speak of Sweden and evangelizing in countries without a religious tradition; of the controversial synodal path in Germany; and about helping young people.
Read the full text and English translation here.
