Elements of Ignatian spirituality—careful discernment, respect for individual consciences, and a commitment to practical pastoral flexibility—are core to the teachings of Pope Francis. The Society of Jesus’ “Universal Apostolic Preferences” and the Jesuit responses to globalization are also reflected in the pope’s engagement with worldwide challenges.

Rev. Thomas Massaro, S.J., will delve into the Jesuit sensibilities of Pope Francis and how they are shaping the papacy when he presents the 2022 Bellarmine Lecture on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m.: “Pope Francis, the Ethicist: Ignatian Roots, Jesuit Priorities, Contemporary Challenges.” This in-person event is free and open to the public, and will also be livestreamed for virtual attendance. Register for the livestream at fairfield.edu/cs.

Rev. Thomas Massaro, S.J., is a professor of moral theology at Fordham University. A Jesuit priest of the USA East Province, he previously taught at Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Mass., at Boston College, and at the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, where he also served as dean.

A former columnist for America magazine, Fr. Massaro writes and lectures frequently on such topics as the ethics of globalization, peacemaking, environmental concerns, the role of conscience in religious participation in public life, and developing a spirituality of justice.

Fr. Massaro holds a doctorate in Christian social ethics from Emory University. His nine books and more than 100 published articles are devoted to Catholic social teaching and its recommendations for public policies oriented to social justice, peace, worker rights, and poverty alleviation. His most recent book is Mercy in Action: The Social Teachings of Pope Francis (Rowman & Littlefield, 2018).

In addition to teaching, Fr. Massaro maintains a commitment to hands-on social activism. He served a six-year term on the Peace Commission of the City of Cambridge and is a co-founder and national steering committee member of Catholic Scholars for Worker Justice. He enjoys speaking to popular as well as professional audiences on many topics regarding faith-based social justice advocacy.

Register for the 2022 Bellarmine Lecture livestream at fairfield.edu/cs, or join us in-person at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 10 in the Dolan School of Business Event Hall, located at 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Please visit the University website before visiting campus, for the latest Covid-19 guidance: fairfield.edu/coronavirus.