I find myself enthralled with Pope Francis. I am in awe that we are witnessing history with the first Jesuit Pope. I am excited he is a Jesuit, and he shares the spirituality that feeds my faith life the most- Ignatian Spirituality. The Jesuits have been such an important part of my formation. Daily, I am touched by St. Ignatius and his order by working for a Jesuit Organization, Charis Ministries.

I am moved by the fact that he took the name Francis and by his simple gestures of humility in his first few days: bowing for our blessing, asking for our prayers, pausing for a moment of silence, riding back on the bus with other cardinals, going to pay his bill in person at the hotel, and on and on. Pope Francis seems to be a man of the people.

Below is a video of why he chose the name Francis. He captures his emotions and fear about when he it was getting “dangerously close” to him becoming Pope. I love that he is so human and real!

Becky Eldredge

Becky is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer. She is the author of the Busy Lives and Restless Souls (March 2017, Loyola Press) and The Inner Chapel (April 2020, Loyola Press). She helps others create space to connect faith and everyday life through facilitating retreats and days of reflection, through writing, and through spiritual direction. With nearly twenty years of ministry experience within the Catholic Church, Becky seeks to help others discover God at work in the every day moments of people’s lives by utilizing St. Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises and the many gifts that our Catholic faith and Ignatian Spirituality provide.