Spiritual Fathers
Pope Francis is a man of two intellectual fathers
He is a Jesuit and as such is a follower in the intellectual tradition started by St. Ignatius of Loyola. This tradition emphasizes rigor and spiritual discipline. Precision and restraint are the keys to thing wing of practice. He has also chosen to adopt the name of Francis in emulation of St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order. This tradition emphasises lived practice, humility, and simplicity. Those who follow in this path hold peace and communion with the natural world as paramount. Initially these two perspectives may seem to be an unlikely match. In this short round table discussion three undergraduate students take on the task of examining the lives and teachings of these two great men and how they have come together to form the new Pope’s outlook.
St. Francis
of Assisi
The 13th century son of a merchant who changed his life toward the service of God after receiving a message from God. Founder of the Franciscan orders and patron saint of animals. St. Francis represents devotion to God through action and humility.
Pope Francis
A Pope of first; the first Jesuit Pope, the first Latin American Pope, the first Pope to take the name of Francis. Pope Francis is a disruptive influence on the identity of the catholic church and exists as a confluence of several Catholic identities.
St. Ignatius of Loyola
The 16th century military commander who turned his structured discipline to the service of God after being wounded in battle. Founder of the Jesuit Order and patron saint of educators. St Ignatius represents devotion to God through study and discipline.
Join Morgan Sandiford, Jordan Johnston, and Morgan Borque in an exploration of the person of Pope Francis through the lens of two great saints. We discuss the characteristics and philosophies of St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Francis Assisi and how they shape the modern Pope. The discussion covers biographical detail to metaphysical musing. We hope you enjoy this audio recording project.