For Pope Francis, retreats are significant as Jesuit spirituality is deeply imbued with the “Spiritual Exercises” written by St. Ignatius of Loyola.

Vatican City (08/03/2022 1:12 PM, Gaudium Press) Since last Sunday afternoon, March 6,  until Friday, March 11, Pope Francis started his annual spiritual exercises of meditation, prayer and fasting. All pontifical engagements will be suspended, including the general audience on Wednesday, March 9.

“This afternoon, together with the assistants of the Roman Curia, we will begin the Spiritual Exercises. Let us bring into our prayers all the needs of the Church and the human family. And you too, please pray for us,” the Pontiff announced during the recitation of the Angelus.

Members of the Roman Curia on a personal retreat

For the second year in a row since the pandemic, the Holy Father’s annual joint retreat with the principal representatives of the Roman Curia has been cancelled. Traditionally, it takes place at the Casa Divino Maestro in Ariccia, near Rome.

Just as he did in 2021, the Pontiff urged the Cardinals residing in Rome, the heads of the Dicasteries and the Superiors of the Roman Curia “to arrange such Exercises in a personal way, withdrawing in prayer from Sunday afternoon, March 6, until Friday, March 11.”

Pope Francis and the Spiritual Exercises

For Pope Francis, a member of the Jesuit order, spiritual retreats are crucial. Jesuit spirituality is imbued with the “Spiritual Exercises” written by the founder of the order, St. Ignatius of Loyola, in the 16th century. Bergoglio even led several retreats for young Jesuits during his time in Argentina. (EPC)

Compiled by Gustavo Kralj