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Le préposé général des Jésuites annonce sa démission pour 2008


ROME, Jeudi 2 février 2006 (ZENIT.org) – En cette journée mondiale de la vie consacrée, le Préposé général de la Compagnie de Jésus, appelé « le pape noir », le P. Hans Peter Kolvenbach a décidé de donner sa démission à 80 ans: en 2008.

Il aurait reçu l’accord, le « placet » du pape Benoît XVI, selon la lettre du P. Kolvenbach à toutes les provinces jésuites du monde, pour convoquer la prochaine congrégation générale.

Le pape lui en effet permis de convoquer la 35e congrégation générale de la Compagnie de Jésus, pour le 5 janvier 2008, « pour décider sur le gouvernement de la compagnie de Jésus au niveau le plus élevé ».

Le P. Peter Hans Kolvenbach, hollandais, est préposé général des jésuites depuis 1983. Il avait auparavant passé les vingt-cinq années au Proche-Orient au temps de la guerre du Liban. Il succédait au P. Pedro Arrupe. Il se dit maintenant las et fatigué.

Né en 1928, il a fait ses études dans un lycée technique dirigé par les jésuites à Nimègue. Après la seconde guerre mondiale, la lecture du premier chapitre des Exercices spirituels de saint Ignace est décisive. Il entre au noviciat des Jésuites et est ordonné prêtre en 1961. Nommé provincial du Proche-Orient, il devient ensuite recteur de l’Institut pontifical oriental de Rome. Il est élu préposé général deux ans plus tard.
ZF06020204

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Jesuits in Europe
Jesuits to hold General Congregation in 2008 - Superior General

Rome, 2 February 2006 (Jesuit Information Servce) - Today, feast of the Presentation, Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach (77), Superior General of the Society of Jesus, has signed a letter to the whole Society communicating that after obtaining the consent of His Holiness Benedict XVI, and the favourable response of all the Provincials, as established by the Complimentary Norms, he has decreed the convocation of the 35th General Congregation.

The first plenary session will take place on the eve of the Feast of the Epiphany, January 5, 2008, at the General Curia of the Society in Rome as the Constitutions stipulate in the case of the election of the Superior General.

In his letter Father General informs the Major Superiors that the Provincial Congregations must end no later than March 1, 2007. Fr Kolvenbach concludes his letter asking that all commend earnestly to God our Lord the successful outcome of the Congregation for his greater service, praise, and glory.

The previous General Congregation (34) took place in Rome in 1995 and lasted almost three months. There were 220 participants from all over the world.

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Opening of a General Congregation on Monday, January 7, 2008

The General Curia of the Society of Jesus announces the opening of a General Congregation on Monday, January 7, 2008. This is the 35th General Congregation since the foundation of the Society in 1540.

More than 220 Jesuits from around the world will convene at Borgo S. Spirito to elect a new Superior General and to discuss (“discern” in the language of Saint Ignatius, the founder of the Society) the apostolic challenges confronting the Society in the years ahead.

The present Superior General, Father Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, the 28th successor of Saint Ignatius, is close to 80 years of age, and has been at the helm of the Society for more than 24 years. After hearing the opinion of his Counsellors and with the assent of the Holy Father, Father Kolvenbach will present his resignation to the General Congregation.

Following the election of a new Superior General, the Congregation will move to the discussion of issues suggested by the Preparatory Commission.

Beginning in January, the new website of the Curia Press Office will offer updates at regular intervals.

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