Can a Jesuit leader redefine the devil and the authority of the Pope?

Ideas & Philosophy · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Arturo Sosa, the first Latin American to lead the Jesuits, has sparked intense theological debate. By questioning traditional interpretations of scripture, the nature of the devil, and the scope of papal power, he has challenged conservative critics who argue his views drift toward relativism and away from established church doctrine.

Born in Caracas in 1948, Arturo Sosa Abascal brings a background in political science and social theory to his role as the 31st leader of the Society of Jesus. Elected in 2016, he has spent his tenure navigating the tension between modern secularization and traditional Catholic teaching. His academic career, rooted in Venezuelan political history, informs a leadership style that emphasizes social justice, discernment, and collaboration with those outside the church.

Sosa’s tenure has been marked by controversy regarding his theological interpretations. In 2017, he suggested that the Gospels were written by humans and should be understood as relative, a stance that drew sharp rebuke from theologians like Chad Pecknold, who labeled the approach as historicist relativizing. Similarly, Sosa’s comments on the devil—describing it as a symbolic reality rather than a personal creature—have been criticized for appearing to contradict the Catechism of the Catholic Church, despite his spokespeople maintaining that he does not deny church teaching.

Beyond theology, Sosa has challenged institutional perceptions. In 2018, he stated that the Pope is the Bishop of Rome rather than the chief of the church, a claim that prompted pushback from those who insist on the Pope’s supreme authority. These debates highlight a broader struggle within the church over how to interpret doctrine in a changing world. While critics accuse him of skepticism, supporters see his focus on discernment and the poor as a necessary evolution for the Society of Jesus in the 21st century.

Sosa’s influence remains significant, as he has established four priorities for the Society of Jesus through 2029, including walking with the poor and caring for the environment. Whether viewed as a reformer or a source of doctrinal confusion, his leadership reflects a deliberate effort to engage with the complexities of contemporary life, even when that engagement invites intense scrutiny from within his own faith tradition.

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