The Jesuits

Pope Francis is the first Jesuit to sit on Peter's chair, but for a long time the Jesuit generals were regarded as the "black popes" who hold the real power in Rome. The order, which combines humanist cosmopolitanism with the strictest obedience, continues to puzzle us to this day. Markus Friedrich tells its story from its foundation in the 16th century to the present day. Special attention is paid to the great cultural achievements of the Jesuits in science, culture, mission and politics.