News

The worldwide Ignatian community came together to issue a Global Statement reinforcing climate justice commitments and outlining three crucial demands for COP29 and COP30: an effective Loss and Damage Fund, Debt Cancellation for climate efforts, and a Just Energy Transition. This Global Statement was endorsed by numerous individuals and institutions, such as the Presidents of the six Jesuit Conferences, numerous Provincials and their Socii, the Global Ignatian Advocacy Network on Ecology (Ecojesuit), the Social Justice Ecology Secretariat in Rome, and hundreds of dedicated members of the Ignatian Family. Sign the Global Statement now and call for change!

MEXICO CITY (OSV News) -- An Indigenous Tzotzil priest and peace activist was murdered after celebrating Sunday Mass in Mexico's southern Chiapas state, where the Catholic Church has denounced government inaction in the face of rising violence. Father Marcelo Pérez, who ministered in Indigenous regions rife with territorial conflicts and later denounced drug cartel violence, was shot dead Oct. 20 by two assailants on a motorcycle as he drove away from the Guadalupe church in San Cristóbal de las Casas, according to Mexican media reports.

The Arrupe Migrant Centre at the Jesuit Church of Saint Joseph has also opened its doors to migrants looking for a place to stay after being refused access to the collective shelters. Mattresses are piled out on the ground and offices have been turned into bedrooms to provide a temporary sanctuary to those in need.

The Season of Creation was also marked by the advocacy efforts of many communities, especially in East Africa, where the faithful struggle against the injustice caused by fossil fuels. As part of the Global Day of Action for the Non-Proliferation of Fossil Fuels Treaty on September 21, numerous events were held, such as this one in Abuja, Nigeria. An “inspirational event”, in which young people, children and adults participated.

In early October, delegates from various provinces and regions convened at Kampoeng Media in Yogyakarta for a transformative four-day conference focused on the Jesuit social apostolate. Keynote speaker Julie Edwards set the stage by discussing the evolution of social ministry within the Society of Jesus, referencing the establishment of Global Ignatian Advocacy Networks since a pivotal 2008 meeting in Spain. Fr. Benny Juliawan explored the implications of the digital economy, highlighting both the opportunities and precarious conditions it creates for workers, while JCAP President Fr. Jun Viray emphasized the need for greater collaboration among ministries and external organizations. The conference concluded with participants engaging in reflective exercises, yielding powerful metaphors—such as bridges and gardens—to represent their collective vision for the future of JCAP’s social ministries.

Pope Francis reminds us that "God walks with His people"—a powerful theme for this year's World Migrants Day. We are called to walk in solidarity with those on the move, sharing their hopes, challenges, and courage. Let us not turn away!

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FFNPT) is an initiative that strives for an international agreement to phase out fossil fuel while ensuring a just global transition for workers, communities, and countries.

We're sharing here the Report presented by the Environmental Sciences for Social Change (ESSC) led by our dear colleague Pedro Walpole, who has been the leader of Ecojesuit since 2017. We would especially like to thank Pedro and the ESSC Team for the enormous and extraordinary work done in the animation of the GIAN of Integral Ecology during the last seven years; the report is an impressive display of his creativity and, above all, of their passion for the sacred gift of Creation. As Pedro himself expresses in the presentation of the report, we pray that: “may these times and events that we have all shared be a source of great consolation, courage and hope; Jesus walks with us!” We count on your collaboration and participation in GIAN - Integral Ecology.

The Season of Creation, celebrated from September 1 to October 4, unites Christians worldwide in prayer and action to protect the Earth. This year’s theme, "To hope and act with Creation," calls for faith-driven hope and concrete actions in response to environmental crises. The season also supports the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, advocating for a halt to new fossil fuel projects. Resources for participation are available online.