St. Ignatius of Loyola

The Latest

The celebration of the quarantore at Santissima Trinità dei Pellegrini.

Ancient 40-hour ‘Quarantore’ devotion continues to bless Rome

Feb 14, 2024

By Matthew Santucci

The Quarant’Ore or Quarantore (“40 hours”) is an exposition and continuous devotion in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Read more

A 17th-century statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola by Spanish sculptor Juan Martínez Montañés.

How St. Ignatius of Loyola became the patron saint of soldiers 

Jul 31, 2023

By Peter Pinedo

From its beginnings, the Jesuits, as established by Ignatius and his companions, held a militaristic mindset of dedication and service... Read more

Nativity scene commissioned by Pope Nicholas IV in 1292. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

First known Nativity scene figurines are on display in Rome

Dec 27, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The first known Nativity scene figurines are housed in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Read more

Pope Francis praying at the general audience on St. Peter's Square

Pope Francis: What is spiritual consolation? The saints explain

Nov 23, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis used the example of several Catholic saints to explain the concept of spiritual consolation during his weekly audience... Read more

A 16th-century painting of St. Ignatius in armor.

A cannonball that changed the world: Pope Francis marks 500 years since St. Ignatius’ conversion

May 23, 2021

The first Jesuit pope sent a video message marking the start of an Ignatian Year. Read more

A 17th-century statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola by Spanish sculptor Juan Martínez Montañés.

Pope Francis: The Spiritual Exercises deepen the concept of personal reform

May 10, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The pope made the comment in a video message for the launch of a book by one his early spiritual... Read more

Nativity scene commissioned by Pope Nicholas IV in 1292. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

First known nativity scene figurines can now be seen in St. Mary Major Basilica

Dec 23, 2020

By Courtney Mares

The first known nativity scene figurines are on display this Christmas in one of Rome’s oldest basilicas.  Read more

Pope Francis arrives for his general audience in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican Oct. 7, 2020.

Pope Francis hopes to visit Spain to mark 500 years since Jesuit founder’s conversion

Oct 7, 2020

Pope Francis said he hoped to visit Spain to mark the 500th anniversary of the conversion of St. Ignatius of... Read more

Pope Francis at the General Audience in St Peter's Square, June 21, 2017.

Pope marks feast of St Ignatius by lunching with brother Jesuits

Jul 31, 2017

By Elise Harris

To mark Monday's feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus, Pope Francis as usual visited... Read more

St. Ignatius of Loyola by Peter Paul Rubens, c. 1620-22.

To understand Pope Francis, you have to understand the Jesuits

Jun 25, 2017

By Elise Harris

Discernment is one of the words Pope Francis repeats most, especially when speaking to priests and seminarians.  Read more