Fr General’s Message for the 45th Anniversary of JRS: A Call to Renew Our Hope and Mission

As the Jesuit Refugee Service marks 45 years of commitment to refugees and forcibly displaced persons worldwide, Fr Arturo Sosa SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus, offers a profound message of gratitude, encouragement, and hope.

In his anniversary address, Fr General reflects on the origins of JRS, founded in 1980 by Pedro Arrupe SJ, whose prophetic vision continues to inspire the mission today. Arrupe believed that being with refugees—accompanying them in their struggles, sharing their joys, and standing beside them in their search for dignity—was at the heart of the Jesuit vocation. Four and a half decades later, this mission remains as urgent as ever.

Fr General highlights the painful realities facing millions of people across the globe: conflicts, persecution, and natural disasters that continue to uproot entire communities from South Sudan to Ukraine, from Myanmar to Afghanistan, and far beyond. He reminds us that the number of forcibly displaced people has more than doubled in the past decade and is expected to approach 140 million this year. Recent cuts to international aid have only intensified the challenges faced by the world’s most vulnerable.

Yet, even amid these hardships, hope persists. Fr General speaks of the resilience of displaced people and the compassionate presence of the 11,000 JRS companions—staff, volunteers, Jesuits, and partners—who accompany them every day. Their dedication is a living testimony of God’s love and faithfulness, shaping a mission rooted in justice, reconciliation, and peace.

He expresses deep gratitude to the countless partners, donors, Jesuit communities, religious congregations, and friends around the world whose support allows JRS to continue serving those most in need. Above all, he honours the refugees themselves, calling them a “source of inspiration and creative energy” for all who serve.

As JRS enters its 46th year, Fr General calls on all of us to renew our commitment to solidarity, to foster a shared humanity that transcends borders and differences, and to trust in God’s promise never to abandon His people.