Arturo Sosa, the Jesuit order's General, arrived in Hungary on May 25, as announced by the Hungarian Province of the Society of Jesus.

Over the course of six days, Sosa is scheduled to meet with various groups, including youth, marginalized individuals, those seeking vocational guidance, and refugees, as part of his visit that emphasizes the Jesuit mission of spiritual companionship and community formation.

Upon his arrival, Sosa met with Hungarian Jesuits in Budapest and is set to visit several locations, including the Roma mission in Arló, the Fényi Gyula Jesuit High School in Miskolc, and the Jesuit student center in Marosvásárhely, which primarily serves university students.

The Hungarian Province of the Society of Jesus highlighted its mission of providing spiritual accompaniment, supporting the vulnerable, and fostering a culture of vocation, which reflects the themes of Sosa's program during his visit.

This visit marks the eighth occasion that a General of the Jesuits has come to Hungary, with the first being in 1978, when Pedro Arrupe met with members of the order who were operating clandestinely under communist repression.

The most recent visit prior to Sosa's was by Adolfo Nicolás in 2009, during the centenary celebrations of the province.

Sosa, who has led the Jesuit order since 2016, will participate in a series of events including joint masses, prayers, and discussions with high school students, university scholars, young people seeking their vocations, Ukrainian refugees assisted by the Jesuit Refugee Service, and families involved in the Roma mission.

András Attila, the provincial superior, expressed anticipation for the visit, stating that the General's presence is an occasion of joy, expected to reinforce their commitment to their mission and inspire further dedication to their spiritual path.

The Society of Jesus, founded in 1540, is one of the largest male religious orders in the Roman Catholic Church, with approximately 14,000 members active in over 120 countries.

Their commitment has included addressing the needs of marginalized communities, such as Roma and refugees, alongside providing spiritual support and education.

Since its establishment, the order has maintained a continuous presence in Hungary for 450 years, with a significant break.

The Hungarian Province comprises 50 Jesuits who manage several religious houses across Budapest, Dobogókő, Marosvásárhely, Miskolc, and Szeged.

Members of this province also serve in locations like Beodra in Vojvodina and in Canadian cities like Toronto and Montreal.

Additionally, Jesuits are involved in various educational and social institutions, including a high school in Miskolc, retreat houses, a vocational academy, and multiple ministries focused on refugee aid, Roma outreach, and more.