Pedro Arrupe 4 of 5

Summary

Pedro Arrupe, the Jesuit leader, faced significant challenges in promoting faith and justice, particularly in Latin America where poverty was rampant. His message resonated deeply, but it also led to opposition and even persecution, as seen in the tragic deaths of Jesuits in El Salvador. Despite this, Arrupe's commitment to social justice and reform inspired Jesuits worldwide, from Asia to the United States. His tenure was marked by internal turmoil and external pressures, including from the Vatican, which he navigated with a balanced approach. After a stroke in 1981, his leadership was succeeded by Father Vincent O'Keefe, maintaining continuity. Pope John Paul II's initial skepticism about the Jesuits' loyalty turned into praise, acknowledging their unity and obedience.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Latin America was highly receptive to the message of faith and justice due to widespread poverty.
• 🙏 The speaker emphasized the need for prayer and radical change, despite facing opposition from civilian and ecclesiastical leaders.
• ⚠️ Some people involved in the movement, especially in El Salvador, faced persecution and death, like the six priests who were slain.
• 🧠 The attackers targeted the intellectual life in El Salvador, symbolized by their attack on the Jesuits at the university.
• 🌐 Jesuits across the world, including in Asia and the U.S., faced struggles with acculturation and public policies.
• 📚 The policies of Pedro Arrupe, elected in 1965, faced resistance, particularly from conservative factions within the Vatican.
• 🤝 Arrupe remained loyal to the papacy but was deeply affected by internal Jesuit opposition and Vatican pressures.
• ⏳ Arrupe sought to resign after years of tumultuous leadership, but Pope John Paul II initially rejected the idea.
• 🗣️ A stroke incapacitated Arrupe, and leadership of the Jesuits temporarily fell to his vicar general, Father Vincent O'Keefe.
• ✝️ The Vatican's direct intervention in Jesuit governance with the appointment of Father Paolo Dezza caused significant tension within the Society of Jesus.

Q & A

What was the reaction of Latin Americans to Pedro Arrupe's message?

Latin Americans were very receptive to Pedro Arrupe's message because they were living in a situation of grinding poverty and felt the need for faith and justice.

What did Pedro Arrupe warn about the potential consequences of promoting faith and justice?

Pedro Arrupe warned that promoting faith and justice would lead to a radical change, opposition from both civilian and ecclesiastical levels, and that some might face persecution or even death.

Who was the head of the Jesuits in El Salvador and what happened to him?

The head of the Jesuits in El Salvador was a man named Ignacio Ellacuría. He and five other priests were slain, with the intention of demonstrating an attack on the intellectual life and capacity of the country.

What challenges did Jesuits face in different regions as described in the script?

Jesuits in Asia faced challenges with acculturation, in the United States, Jesuit Dan Berrigan confronted public policies, and in the context of culture wars, John McNeill's book 'The Church and the Homosexual' was a source of conflict.

How did Pedro Arrupe handle the inner turmoil within the Society of Jesus?

Pedro Arrupe attempted to discern the movement of the Holy Spirit amidst the changes and conflicts, and was constantly called upon to mediate, including pressures from the Vatican to clamp down on dissent.

What was the relationship between Pedro Arrupe and the Vatican during his tenure?

Pedro Arrupe was unwaveringly loyal to the papacy, but his relationship with the Vatican became increasingly complicated, with some of his critics finding favor within the Holy See.

Why did Pedro Arrupe decide to resign as the Superior General of the Jesuits?

After almost fifteen tumultuous years in office, Pedro Arrupe believed it was time for new Jesuit leadership and resolved to resign.

How did Pope John Paul II initially respond to Pedro Arrupe's intention to resign?

Pope John Paul II did not initially want to receive Pedro Arrupe for an audience to discuss his resignation, and when he did, the meeting was brief and inconclusive.

What event led to a change in Pope John Paul II's attitude towards the Jesuits?

After the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II in May 1981, his attitude towards the Jesuits changed, and he began to praise and appreciate them for their unity and obedience.

What happened to Pedro Arrupe after he suffered a stroke?

After suffering a severe stroke, Pedro Arrupe lost his ability to speak fluently in multiple languages and could only speak a form of Spanish that was difficult to understand. His governance of the Society of Jesus fell to his Vicar General, Father Vincent O'Keefe.

How did the appointment of Father Paolo Dezza as the Pope's personal representative affect the Jesuits?

The direct intervention by Pope John Paul II in appointing Father Paolo Dezza as the leader of the Society of Jesus caused great consternation among the Jesuits, as they were reminded of the historical suppression of their society by Pope Clement XIV in 1773.