The Most Famous Living Jesuit, Ranked

Choose the living Jesuit you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 24, 2024 09:55
The influence of Jesuits in various spheres including education, science, and social justice is widely acknowledged. However, the ongoing contributions of individual Jesuits often remain less visible to the public. By presenting a list of the most renowned living Jesuits, we aim to highlight these figures and their current endeavors. This allows for a greater appreciation and understanding of their impact in today’s world. Voting on this list isn't just about recognizing individual prominence but also about understanding the diverse ways in which Jesuits influence contemporary society. Each vote helps to shape a collective view of who these influential figures are, reflecting their significance in various global contexts. This dynamic voting process ensures that the list remains current and truly reflective of the figures who are making significant contributions.

Who Is the Most Famous Living Jesuit?

  1. 1
    50
    votes

    James Martin

    An American Jesuit priest, writer, and editor-at-large of the Jesuit magazine America.
    • Born: December 29, 1960
    • Notable work: Jesus: A Pilgrimage
  2. 3
    0
    votes

    Antonio Spadaro

    Italian Jesuit priest, journalist, and editor of La Civiltà Cattolica.
    • Born: July 6, 1966
    • Editor since: 2011
  3. 4
    0
    votes

    Adolfo Nicolás

    Spanish Jesuit priest, and former Superior General of the Society of Jesus.
    • Born: April 29, 1936
    • Superior General from: 2008-2016
  4. 5
    0
    votes

    Thomas Reese

    American Jesuit priest, author, and senior analyst for Religion News Service.
    • Born: 1945
    • Notable work: Inside the Vatican: The Politics and Organization of the Catholic Church
  5. 6
    0
    votes

    Guy Consolmagno

    American Jesuit brother, astronomer, and the Director of the Vatican Observatory.
    • Born: September 19, 1952
    • Director since: 2015
  6. 7
    0
    votes

    Arturo Sosa

    The 31st Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Venezuelan Jesuit priest.
    • Born: November 12, 1948
    • Superior General since: October 14, 2016
  7. 8
    0
    votes

    Greg Boyle

    American Jesuit priest and founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-intervention and rehabilitation program in the world.
    • Born: May 19, 1954
    • Founded Homeboy Industries: 1988
  8. 9
    0
    votes

    Paulo Cezar Costa

    Brazilian Jesuit and the Archbishop of Brasília.
    • Born: July 20, 1967
    • Archbishop since: 2020
  9. 10
    -1
    votes

    Federico Lombardi

    Italian Catholic priest and former Director of the Holy See Press Office.
    • Born: August 29, 1942
    • Director from: 2006-2016

Missing your favorite living Jesuit?

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous living Jesuit. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Jesuit is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2188 views
  • 93 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Jesuit once every 24 hours. The rank of each Jesuit is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Living Jesuit

The Jesuits, officially known as the Society of Jesus, have a long history. Founded in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola, they focus on education, intellectual research, and cultural pursuits. They also serve in various ministries, including social justice and human rights.

One of the most famous living Jesuits today is known for his humility, simplicity, and dedication. He was born in the mid-20th century in a large city. His family was modest, and his upbringing was typical of his time. He had a keen interest in chemistry and worked in a laboratory before choosing the path of religious life. His decision to join the Jesuits marked the start of a journey that would take him around the world.

His early years in the Society of Jesus were marked by rigorous training. He studied philosophy and theology, which are core subjects for Jesuits. He also took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. These vows reflect the Jesuit commitment to a life of service and simplicity.

He served in various roles within the Jesuit community. He taught at schools and universities, sharing his knowledge and wisdom with students. He also held administrative positions, where he demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills. His ability to connect with people from different backgrounds made him a respected figure.

In addition to his work in education, he was deeply involved in social justice efforts. He advocated for the poor and marginalized, often speaking out against injustice and inequality. His commitment to these causes earned him admiration and respect from many.

His rise to prominence within the Jesuit order was marked by a series of significant events. He was appointed to several high-ranking positions, where he continued to champion the values of the Society of Jesus. His leadership style was characterized by a focus on dialogue, collaboration, and inclusivity.

Despite his high profile, he remained grounded and approachable. He was known for his simple lifestyle, often choosing to live in modest accommodations. He preferred public transportation over private cars and was often seen mingling with ordinary people. His humility and accessibility endeared him to many.

His influence extended beyond the Jesuit community. He became a prominent figure on the global stage, where he continued to advocate for social justice, peace, and dialogue. His speeches and writings addressed a wide range of issues, from poverty and inequality to environmental concerns and interfaith relations.

Throughout his life, he has remained committed to the core values of the Jesuits. His dedication to education, social justice, and service has inspired countless individuals. He embodies the Jesuit motto, "For the Greater Glory of God," in all his actions.

In summary, the most famous living Jesuit is a figure of humility, simplicity, and dedication. His journey from a modest upbringing to global prominence is a testament to his commitment to the values of the Society of Jesus. His work in education, social justice, and leadership continues to inspire and influence people around the world.

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