Pedro Arrupe 2 of 5

Summary

Pedro Arrupe, a medical professional turned Jesuit leader, is deeply affected by the Hiroshima bombing and the Second Vatican Council's call for modernization and social justice. Elected Superior General of the Jesuits in 1965, he faces the challenge of adapting the order to a new world order, embracing Pope John XXIII's vision and Vatican II's decrees. Despite opposition, Arrupe champions a more active role for Jesuits in social justice, guided by the spirituality of Ignatius of Loyola.

Takeaways

• 🩺 Rupert had significant medical experience, nearly becoming a doctor before stopping his studies.
• 🧪 He treated burn victims with boric acid, which proved effective for injuries during a major incident.
• 🕰️ The moment of the Hiroshima bombing at 8:15 had a profound spiritual impact on Rupert, shaping his worldview.
• 🙏 Rupert felt that during times of tragedy, people experienced God most closely, deeply affecting him.
• ✌️ He became a strong advocate for peace, rejecting violence after witnessing the horrors of the Hiroshima bombing.
• 📜 The 1960s brought significant social and ecclesiastical changes, especially within the Catholic Church.
• 🌍 Pope John XXIII initiated Vatican II, aimed at modernizing the church’s stance on global affairs.
• 🗣️ Vatican II saw the gathering of 2,400 bishops, producing 16 documents that reshaped the Catholic Church's role.
• 👑 Pedro Arrupe was elected Superior General of the Jesuits in 1965, tasked with leading reforms within the order.
• 📖 Arrupe was deeply influenced by Ignatius Loyola's spirituality and worked to integrate social justice into Jesuit missions.

Q & A

What medical experience did Ruper have before becoming a doctor?

Ruper had a lot of medical experience, including picking glass out of people's backs and using boric acid for treating burns.

How did Ruper's experience with the atomic bomb in Hiroshima affect him?

Ruper was deeply affected by the atomic bomb in Hiroshima, which led to a profound sense of being close to the end of the world and a strong aversion to violence.

What significant event in the Catholic Church is mentioned in the script?

The script mentions the Second Vatican Council, which was a major event in the Catholic Church aimed at modernizing its role in world affairs.

Who was Pope John the 23rd and what was his impact on the Catholic Church?

Pope John the 23rd was the Pope who initiated the Second Vatican Council, opening the Church to change and demonstrating openness to the world.

What was the role of Pedro Arrupe in the Jesuits during the Second Vatican Council?

Pedro Arrupe was elected as the Superior General of the Jesuits during the Second Vatican Council, and he played a significant role in leading the Jesuits in the implementation of the Church's modernization.

What was the main message of Pope John the 23rd and the Second Vatican Council that Pedro Arrupe promoted?

The main message was the spiritual engagement with the world, considering the Church not in opposition to the world but as part of it, which was a key aspect of the Second Vatican Council.

How did Pedro Arrupe's election as Superior General of the Jesuits relate to the Second Vatican Council?

Pedro Arrupe's election as Superior General occurred during the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, and he embraced the Council's direction of more active engagement in social justice.

What challenges did Pedro Arrupe face as the Superior General of the Jesuits?

Pedro Arrupe faced challenges such as the need to transform the Jesuits to address a new world order, the insecurity of the Church during a time of tremendous change, and not all Jesuits being happy with the direction of the Church.

What was the significance of the 'basic option' in Pedro Arrupe's leadership?

The 'basic option' was significant in Pedro Arrupe's leadership as it represented a commitment to social justice and a focus on the poor, which was a key aspect of the Jesuits' mission during his tenure.

How did Pedro Arrupe's experience with Ignatius of Loyola influence his approach to the Jesuits' ministries?

Pedro Arrupe's immersion in the writings of Ignatius of Loyola influenced his approach by emphasizing finding God in all things and encountering Christ in the world, which led to a more active engagement in social justice.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Early Life and Spiritual Awakening of Pedro Arrupe

The first paragraph introduces Pedro Arrupe, a man with extensive medical experience who stopped just short of becoming a doctor. He is depicted as a compassionate figure, helping those injured during the Hiroshima bombing with a makeshift remedy of boric acid and water. This experience, along with the spiritual impact of the atomic bomb, deeply affected him, instilling a lifelong aversion to violence. The narrative then shifts to the 1960s, a period of significant social and ecclesiastical change. The election of Pope John XXIII and the Second Vatican Council are highlighted as pivotal moments that opened the Catholic Church to the world and modernized its stance. Pedro Arrupe's election as the Superior General of the Jesuits is set against this backdrop of transformation within the Church.

05:03

🌐 Leadership and Reforms of Pedro Arrupe

The second paragraph delves into Pedro Arrupe's unexpected rise to leadership as the Superior General of the Jesuits. Despite his initial hesitation, expressed through a quote from Jeremiah, he embraced his role with the belief that divine guidance would support him. Fluent in multiple languages, Arrupe became an articulate advocate for the Jesuits' adaptation to the modern world. He faced the challenge of aligning the Jesuits' ministries with the evolving global context, a task made more complex by the Church's own internal changes and the spirit of the Second Vatican Council. His commitment to social justice and the Jesuit mission was clear, even as it met with resistance from some within the order. The paragraph concludes with a focus on Arrupe's enthusiasm for the Church's 'opening to the world,' a theme central to the Council and his tenure.

Keywords

💡Medical Experience

Medical experience refers to the practical knowledge and skills acquired through involvement in healthcare or medical practices. In the video, Ruper's extensive medical experience is highlighted by his ability to treat burns with boric acid, showcasing his expertise and compassion towards those in need. This experience is a significant part of his background, which likely influenced his later work and decisions.

💡Boric Acid

Boric acid is a weak acid used for various purposes, including as an antiseptic and in the treatment of burns. In the context of the video, Ruper uses boric acid to treat the burns of victims, which underscores the resourcefulness and the immediate medical solutions he provided during a time of crisis. This instance illustrates the practical application of medical knowledge in emergency situations.

💡Spiritual Explosion

A spiritual explosion metaphorically describes a profound, life-changing event that has a deep impact on one's beliefs or values. The video mentions Ruper experiencing a 'spiritual explosion' during the bombing of Hiroshima, which seems to have been a pivotal moment that shaped his perspective on life, violence, and his subsequent actions. This concept is central to understanding Ruper's character and his dedication to peace and justice.

💡Vatican II

Vatican II, or the Second Vatican Council, was a significant assembly of the Catholic Church that took place from 1962 to 1965. It aimed to address relations between the Church and the modern world. The video discusses how Vatican II's decrees inspired Pedro Arrupe, a Jesuit leader, to modernize the Church's role and engage more actively in social justice. This council's impact is a key theme in the video, illustrating the Church's response to societal changes.

💡Social Upheavals

Social upheavals refer to dramatic changes in society that can alter the course of events or the established order. The 1960s are mentioned in the video as a period of significant social upheavals, which had a profound effect on global events and the Catholic Church. These upheavals set the stage for the Church to reevaluate its stance and actions, as seen in the election of Pope John XXIII and the subsequent Vatican II Council.

💡Pope John XXIII

Pope John XXIII was the head of the Catholic Church from 1958 to 1963. He is known for his progressive views and his role in initiating the Second Vatican Council. In the video, his election and his actions are depicted as catalysts for change within the Church, emphasizing openness and a fresh approach to engaging with the world. His influence is a central element in the narrative of the Church's modernization efforts.

💡Jesuits

The Jesuits are a religious order within the Catholic Church known for their educational, missionary, and social justice work. In the video, Jesuits are highlighted as leaders in implementing the Church's modernization following Vatican II. Pedro Arrupe, a key figure in the video, is elected as the Superior General of the Jesuits, emphasizing their commitment to social justice and engagement with the world.

💡Superior General

The Superior General is the highest-ranking official in the Jesuit order, often referred to as the 'black pope.' In the video, Pedro Arrupe is elected to this position, indicating his significant role in leading the Jesuits during a period of change. His election and the subsequent reforms he introduces are crucial to the narrative of the video, showing how leadership can shape an organization's direction and values.

💡Social Justice

Social justice is the concept of fair and just relations between individuals and society. In the video, the Jesuits' commitment to social justice is emphasized, especially after the Second Vatican Council. Pedro Arrupe's leadership is portrayed as instrumental in promoting this commitment, aligning with the teachings of the Church and the spirit of the times. Social justice becomes a central theme in the video, reflecting the Jesuits' mission and values.

💡Modern World

The term 'modern world' in the video refers to the contemporary society and its challenges, particularly during the 1960s when the Church was undergoing significant changes. The video discusses how the Church, under the influence of Vatican II and leaders like Pedro Arrupe, sought to adapt and engage with the modern world. This concept is integral to understanding the video's theme of the Church's evolution and its efforts to remain relevant and impactful in a changing global landscape.

Highlights

Ruper had extensive medical experience, having stopped just short of becoming a doctor.

He used boric acid and water to treat burns, which turned out to be very effective.

Ruper's experiences during the bombing of Hiroshima had a profound impact on him.

The spiritual explosion of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima influenced his life significantly.

Ruper's encounter with the Watchtower stopping at 8:15 during the bomb drop was a pivotal moment.

The energy from the bomb helped Ruper treat 150 sick people who arrived at his hospital.

Ruper's experiences marked him with a strong aversion to violence.

The 1960s brought social upheavals and ecclesiastical changes within the Catholic Church.

Pope John the 23rd's election led to significant changes in the Catholic Church's approach to the world.

Vatican II was a major ecumenical council that aimed to modernize the role of the Church.

The council produced 16 documents to address the Church's stance in a changing world.

Pedro AR Rupé was elected as the Superior General of the Jesuits during a time of significant change.

Rupé's leadership required him to transform the Jesuits to address a new world order.

Rupé's message emphasized the church's engagement with the world, inspired by Vatican II and Ignatius of Loyola.

Rupé faced challenges in adapting the Jesuits' ministries to the modern world.

The general congregation of 1965 concluded that Jesuits should be more actively engaged in social justice.

Rupé's election as general coincided with the final session of Vatican II, which he saw as a turning point for the Church.

Transcripts

ruper had a lot of medical experience he

had stopped studying just short of

becoming a doctor so he was picking

glass out of people's backs he found

some boric acid and a little water and

it was a powder and it turned out that

was a very good thing for the burns but

they they dealt with people there then

they took a lot of them back to the

levision with them and kept some of them

for a year so this was all part of part

of his his

[Music]

formation I think it's fundamental

I begin my biography with a moment the

bomb was dropped into Hiroshima and he's

there below in the burst the spiritual

explosion that is producing him at the

moment he stops and sees the Watchtower

stop at

8:15 the tremendous energy that results

helps skure 150 sick who show up at his

Hospital thanks to a bottle of boric

acid that he

finds assuredly it was in such moments

of tragedy that we felt God most near to

us and this seems to have marked him

very much um a kind of feeling of having

been been close to the end of the

world uh to have been present to to a

one of the most dramatic events of the

history of

mankind um that that remained with aupe

I think

ever after that he he could never stand

violence he was just he'd say you know

violence you know no to be to be avoided

no matter what the

cost the 1960s erupt in a different kind

of explosion social upheavals that

altered the course of world events more

extensively perhaps than even the atomic

bomb ecclesiastical upheavals are

triggered within the Catholic Church by

the election of Pope John the 23rd who

throws open Church windows to the Winds

of

[Applause]

Change his encyclical pachem in teras

will address not just Catholics but all

men of Goodwill demonstrating fresh

openness to the

[Music]

world only 90 days after his election he

unexpectedly invites all the bishops

from around the globe to gather in Rome

to reexamine The Stance of the Catholic

church in a changing

world this 21st ecumenical council the

first in almost a century becomes a

major news

event considered one of the most

important councils in Catholic church

history Vatican 2 saw 2400 Bishops and

other prets in 168 sessions from October

1962 the council produced 16 documents

designed to modernize the role of the

church in world

affairs the council would meet in four

sessions over four years its crowning

document the Pastoral constitution on

the church in the modern world would

address itself without hesitation not

only to the Sons and Daughters of the

church and to all who invoke the name of

Christ but to the whole of

humanity the council's decrees will

inspire and guide Pedro AR rupe as

Jesuits become leaders in the

implementation of the church's

modernization Pope John the 23rd dies

before the council is completed and is

succeeded by Pope Paul V 6th who

oversees the conclusion of the

council shortly after the death of Pope

John the 23rd the superior general of

the Jesuits sometimes called the black

pope father Janson also dies and Jesuits

from around the world gather to elect

his

successor among the Gathering Jesuits

was the President of forom University

father Vincent O'Keefe in

1965 we had what we call a general

congregation this is our highest

legislative body in the

society and so it's a meeting of Jesuits

from all around the world Jesuits who

are elected in their own Province to go

to the big meeting in

Rome immersed in the spirit of the

second Vatican Council Jesuits face

their own challenges of

change priorities need to be examined

commitment to Justice Rises for special

consideration on the third ballot the

general congregation elects Pedro Arup

to be their Superior General on May 22nd

1965 and goes on to pass wide ranging

reforms AR rupe will be thrust

unprepared into leadership that requires

him to transform the ranks of nearly

30,000 Jesuits to address a new world

order father rupe's first official words

as general were a quotation from

Jeremiah

ah ah ah I don't know how to

speak and it sounds strange you know

this is a

man fluent in seven languages but when

you read through the rest of the

quotation you

realize that Pedra AE is saying that he

really doesn't know how to speak but the

Lord will talk for him and the Lord will

teach him how to speak and he certainly

did he was a very articulate spokesman

throughout his whole life the heart and

soul of that message was his basic

option did not oppose the church to the

world but rather it considered the

church in the

world the message of spiritually

engaging the world promoted by John the

23rd and the second Vatican Council as

well as by the Jesuit General

congregation would nevertheless Prov to

be a challenge for Pedro Arup

uh I

accepted what the society give to me uh

elect me as

general and the first things to come to

my mind is a big

cross at is I think I was bound to

suffer in the rest of my life very much

because I suppose always a general has

to suffer

but in this condition of the church I

think it's something special which has a

tremendous changes so many defections so

many

problems so much

insecurity but this another aspect of

the to be a general who is the source of

great joy and that is to have the

possibility of knowing the society and

the J from inside

AR rupe will turn out to be an apt

advocate of adapting the ministries of

the Jesuits to the modern

world he is aware that finding God in

all things and encountering Christ in

the world are insights resulting from

intense soul searching on the part of

Ignatius

lyola as a novice Master he had immersed

himself in the writings of the Jesuit

founder the profound spirituality he

developed was based on the example of

lyola whose passion was to discern the

will of God in his life a life that

Embraces the world he lives

in in

1965 the general congregation that

elects auped concludes that the spirit

of Saint Ignatius calls for more active

engagement in working for social justice

a RUP enthusiastically Embraces this

direction but not all Jesuits will be

happy with it when he was elected

general of the society it was just

before the last session the most

decisive session of that Vatican 2

Council and he got

extremely interested he he felt that it

was a turning point for the Catholic

Church the point which was decisive for

him in the council was the opening to

the world particularly I think he felt

that uh we had to to look at the world

around us in a new way