Fr. Brian G. Paulson, S.J., Named Next President of the Jesuit Conference

BY ISN STAFF | December 2, 2020

Rev. Brian G. Paulson, S.J., has been appointed by Rev. Arturo Sosa, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus, as the next president of the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States.

Fr. Paulson currently serves as provincial of the USA Midwest Province and will assume his new position in 2021. An exact date for the transition has not been set. Fr. Paulson will succeed Fr. Timothy Kesicki, S.J., who has served as president of the Jesuit Conference since 2014.

“Fr. Paulson has many gifts,” Fr. Sosa said in making the appointment. “Deeply in love with the Lord and the Church, he is zealous in proclaiming the Gospel. He is intelligent, strategic, energetic, and outgoing. His leadership is bold, even audacious. He is confident but also collaborative, decisive but also discerning, eager to speak but also ready to listen.”

Rev. Brian Paulson, S.J., presides at the 2019 Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice closing liturgy.

“The Ignatian Solidarity Network has been honored to partner with Fr. Paulson during his time as provincial of the Jesuits’ Midwest Province,” said Christopher Kerr, ISN executive director. “We look forward to collaborating with him in his new role with the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States, continuing ISN’s mission of co-laboring with the Jesuits in pursuit of justice.” Fr. Paulson presided at the closing liturgy at the 2019 Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, marking the 30th anniversary of the deaths of the Jesuit martyrs and their companions in El Salvador. Speaking of how conference attendees should respond in light of their legacy, he said “We want to pour out our lives in love and service to one another as Jesus Christ did for the greater glory of God.”

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Jesuit Conference promotes common goals and coordinates common projects for the Jesuit provinces of Canada and the United States. As Conference president, Fr. Paulson will serve as part of the Superior General’s extended council and represent the Society in many church and civic venues. He will also represent the Conference internationally and serve as the religious superior of the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry and the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California.

“I am humbled to be entrusted with this responsibility to work with the five provincials in Canada and the USA to advance our shared responsibility for the global Jesuit mission—we are stronger together,” said Fr. Paulson.