1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:06,360 The Society of Jesus was founded in 1540 by Ignatius of Loyola, a Spanish-Basque 2 00:00:06,360 --> 00:00:07,360 Nobleman. 3 00:00:07,360 --> 00:00:11,960 The Jesuits were initially created to be an order of missionaries, but they quickly gained 4 00:00:11,960 --> 00:00:15,760 a reputation for being fierce defenders of the Catholic faith. 5 00:00:15,760 --> 00:00:20,240 They were also known for their education and intellect, and they soon became one of the 6 00:00:20,240 --> 00:00:22,920 most powerful orders in the church. 7 00:00:22,920 --> 00:00:27,480 The Jesuits answered directly to the Pope, but were also answerable to their superior 8 00:00:27,480 --> 00:00:30,920 general, the so-called Black Pope. 9 00:00:30,920 --> 00:00:36,080 St. Ignatius of Loyola first used the title with Black referring to the Society's Dark 10 00:00:36,080 --> 00:00:38,800 and Secretive yet powerful nature. 11 00:00:38,800 --> 00:00:43,760 The Black Pope is a shadowy figure believed to wield incredible power behind the scenes 12 00:00:43,760 --> 00:00:49,200 of the Catholic Church, however he is shrouded in mystery, with many theories about his true 13 00:00:49,200 --> 00:00:51,240 identity and purpose. 14 00:00:51,240 --> 00:00:56,280 Some believe he's the true power behind the Catholic Church, while others claim that he is just 15 00:00:56,280 --> 00:01:01,640 another figurehead with a little absolute authority. 16 00:01:01,640 --> 00:01:06,960 The Black Pope is the head of the Jesuits, acting as the superior general, preposatist 17 00:01:06,960 --> 00:01:10,480 generalis in Latin, of the order of the Jesuits. 18 00:01:10,480 --> 00:01:14,960 He is referred to as the Black Pope not because of his race or skin color, but because 19 00:01:14,960 --> 00:01:17,880 of his position in the church hierarchy. 20 00:01:17,880 --> 00:01:23,320 It is said that he is second in command after the Pope, making him one of the most influential 21 00:01:23,320 --> 00:01:25,560 people in the Catholic Church. 22 00:01:25,560 --> 00:01:30,800 The name comes from the Black Cossack, or long-sleeved clothing that Jesuits wear, often 23 00:01:30,800 --> 00:01:35,360 seen as secretive, powerful, and omniscient. 24 00:01:35,360 --> 00:01:39,680 Although the superior general has authority over all society members, he typically 25 00:01:39,680 --> 00:01:45,240 leads through provincial superiors who report to him, similar to other religious organizations, 26 00:01:45,240 --> 00:01:50,600 its power derives from the sacred vows that link members to communal life. 27 00:01:50,600 --> 00:01:55,320 After one of the superior general's retirees or passes away, another will be elected 28 00:01:55,400 --> 00:01:59,480 by a body, known as the general congregation of society. 29 00:01:59,480 --> 00:02:04,360 If a person is elected a superior general, they have that title for the rest of their life 30 00:02:04,360 --> 00:02:05,880 until they pass. 31 00:02:05,880 --> 00:02:11,040 However, the 35th general congregation was called after the previous superior general 32 00:02:11,040 --> 00:02:14,040 decided to resign because of health issues. 33 00:02:14,040 --> 00:02:19,920 The current Black Pope, known by the name Arturo Sosa, ascended to the throne, following 34 00:02:19,920 --> 00:02:22,920 the retirement of the 35th superior general. 35 00:02:22,920 --> 00:02:29,440 He is a Venezuelan Catholic priest, elected to the position on October 14, 2016, replacing 36 00:02:29,440 --> 00:02:34,400 a Delpho Nicolás and becoming the society's 36th superior general. 37 00:02:34,400 --> 00:02:40,920 He holds the title for the first Jesuit leader to be born in Latin America. 38 00:02:40,920 --> 00:02:46,840 The Black Pope rules over Jesuits, and he has complete control over the orders finances, 39 00:02:46,840 --> 00:02:48,720 strategy, and diplomacy. 40 00:02:48,960 --> 00:02:55,360 In addition, the Black Pope oversees all Jesuit activities worldwide and reports directly 41 00:02:55,360 --> 00:02:56,520 to the Pope. 42 00:02:56,520 --> 00:03:00,760 The Jesuits are a controversial religious order, and the Black Pope is their most 43 00:03:00,760 --> 00:03:06,720 powerful and influential leader, automatically making him a highly controversial figure. 44 00:03:06,720 --> 00:03:12,400 He is believed to be the mastermind behind many of the church's political machinations. 45 00:03:12,400 --> 00:03:17,240 As a result, various governments have banned the Jesuits throughout history, and their 46 00:03:17,280 --> 00:03:21,000 activities are often shrouded in secrecy. 47 00:03:21,000 --> 00:03:25,840 Despite his power and influence, the Black Pope is not well known to the general public. 48 00:03:25,840 --> 00:03:31,480 This is due to the Jesuits' emphasis on discretion and reluctance to attract public attention. 49 00:03:31,480 --> 00:03:37,000 Nevertheless, the Black Pope is a powerful and influential figure within the Catholic church, 50 00:03:37,000 --> 00:03:41,160 and his actions can significantly impact the world. 51 00:03:41,160 --> 00:03:43,600 How much power does the Black Pope have? 52 00:03:43,840 --> 00:03:45,560 That isn't easy to say. 53 00:03:45,560 --> 00:03:50,560 Some believe he has great power and influence, while others believe his power is greatly 54 00:03:50,560 --> 00:03:51,560 exaggerated. 55 00:03:51,560 --> 00:03:54,520 While the truth may remain unknown to many. 56 00:03:54,520 --> 00:04:02,280 The Black Pope remains as a mysterious but respected figurehead in the Catholic church. 57 00:04:02,280 --> 00:04:07,480 Because of the Black Pope's mystery and secrecy, many people have started rumors, myths, 58 00:04:07,480 --> 00:04:11,000 and even theories about the full identity of the Black Pope. 59 00:04:11,000 --> 00:04:15,960 Some are a bit more grounded, like the Pope being involved with the Illuminati, while some 60 00:04:15,960 --> 00:04:22,600 are more outlandish and fantastical, like the Black Pope being able to resurrect the dead. 61 00:04:22,600 --> 00:04:27,600 The following are the most famous rumors circulating about the Black Pope. 62 00:04:27,600 --> 00:04:31,320 One, the Black Pope is a vampire. 63 00:04:31,320 --> 00:04:35,360 This rumor was started by people who feared the power of the Black Pope. 64 00:04:35,360 --> 00:04:38,640 Obviously, the Black Pope is not a vampire. 65 00:04:38,640 --> 00:04:43,400 Although there are rumors floating around that the Black Pope is immortal. 66 00:04:43,400 --> 00:04:47,160 Two, the Black Pope is the Antichrist. 67 00:04:47,160 --> 00:04:51,400 This rumor is spread by those who believe that the Catholic church is evil. 68 00:04:51,400 --> 00:04:56,400 The Black Pope is not the Antichrist, although he is a controversial figure. 69 00:04:56,400 --> 00:05:00,400 Three, the Black Pope controls the Illuminati. 70 00:05:00,400 --> 00:05:05,080 This rumor is spread by those who believe that the Illuminati is a real organization. 71 00:05:05,160 --> 00:05:11,600 The Black Pope does not control the Illuminati, although he is rumored to be involved with them. 72 00:05:11,600 --> 00:05:16,440 Four, the Black Pope can control the minds of others. 73 00:05:16,440 --> 00:05:21,240 The Black Pope is said to be able to control the minds of others, and this is one of the most 74 00:05:21,240 --> 00:05:23,600 feared aspects of his power. 75 00:05:23,600 --> 00:05:29,400 If he can control your mind, then he can control your actions, which is very dangerous. 76 00:05:29,400 --> 00:05:33,320 There are so many stories of people that have done things against their will because 77 00:05:33,320 --> 00:05:35,880 the Black Pope controlled their minds. 78 00:05:35,880 --> 00:05:40,080 This is not as far fetched, as the other rumors about the Black Pope being influential 79 00:05:40,080 --> 00:05:45,520 as they are can even seem like they have the ability to persuade or brainwash others 80 00:05:45,520 --> 00:05:47,760 to do their bidding. 81 00:05:47,760 --> 00:05:51,560 Five, the Black Pope can raise the dead. 82 00:05:51,560 --> 00:05:55,640 Lastly, the Black Pope is also said to be able to raise the dead. 83 00:05:55,640 --> 00:05:57,960 Another one of his feared powers. 84 00:05:57,960 --> 00:06:02,800 If he can raise the dead, he can create an army of the undead to do his bidding. 85 00:06:02,800 --> 00:06:06,960 While more outlandish, there are still several people who believe he has the power to 86 00:06:06,960 --> 00:06:10,080 do so, and thus fear him greatly. 87 00:06:10,080 --> 00:06:14,920 While these rumors may be far fetched, they show the level of mistrust and fear. 88 00:06:14,920 --> 00:06:20,040 Many people have towards the Black Pope and the Catholic Church. 89 00:06:20,040 --> 00:06:25,280 It's easy to think that the title of Black Pope is all glory and power, but as the popular 90 00:06:25,280 --> 00:06:29,560 saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. 91 00:06:29,560 --> 00:06:32,600 And not everyone with power is responsible. 92 00:06:32,640 --> 00:06:37,680 For instance, the Black Pope has been accused of promoting liberation theology, a Marxist 93 00:06:37,680 --> 00:06:42,960 interpretation of Christianity that calls for overthrowing capitalist societies. 94 00:06:42,960 --> 00:06:48,520 He has also been accused of being involved in various political conspiracies, including the assassination 95 00:06:48,520 --> 00:06:51,960 of John F. Kennedy and the 911 attacks. 96 00:06:51,960 --> 00:06:58,040 The Black Pope is also blamed for the Vatican's involvement in the Crusades and the Inquisition. 97 00:06:58,040 --> 00:07:03,800 Critics say that the Black Pope is a dangerous man, bent on world domination, and is using 98 00:07:03,800 --> 00:07:07,640 the Catholic Church to further his own agenda. 99 00:07:07,640 --> 00:07:11,760 These claims have never been proven, but they continue to circulate. 100 00:07:11,760 --> 00:07:16,280 Whether or not the Black Pope is truly as powerful and influential as some believe him to 101 00:07:16,280 --> 00:07:21,240 be is up for debate, but there is no denying that he is a controversial figure within 102 00:07:21,240 --> 00:07:27,720 the Catholic Church and his beliefs and actions continue to cause division among believers. 103 00:07:28,720 --> 00:07:34,280 The Jesuits are Catholic religious order known for being very conservative and opulent. 104 00:07:34,280 --> 00:07:39,720 However, they have a long history of working behind the scenes to influence world events. 105 00:07:39,720 --> 00:07:45,600 The Black Pope is the head of the Sorter, and wields a great deal of power within the Church. 106 00:07:45,600 --> 00:07:48,880 Some people believe the Black Pope is a force for good. 107 00:07:48,880 --> 00:07:52,760 They point to his work with the poor and oppressed as proof of this. 108 00:07:52,840 --> 00:07:58,040 They also say he is a brilliant and cunning man who knows how to get things done. 109 00:07:58,040 --> 00:08:01,560 Others believe that the Black Pope is up to no good. 110 00:08:01,560 --> 00:08:06,520 And think he is behind some of the Church's more controversial policies such as its stance on 111 00:08:06,520 --> 00:08:08,920 birth control and abortion. 112 00:08:08,920 --> 00:08:13,560 He is the Black Pope of force for good or evil in the world. 113 00:08:13,560 --> 00:08:15,240 Only time will tell. 114 00:08:15,240 --> 00:08:21,000 In the meantime, we need to learn as much as possible about him and his motivations. 115 00:08:21,000 --> 00:08:25,480 Only then will we be able to ensure that he is on the side of righteousness. 116 00:08:25,480 --> 00:08:27,240 But one thing is certain. 117 00:08:27,240 --> 00:08:33,560 He remains one of the most intriguing and mysterious figures in the history of the Catholic Church. 118 00:08:33,560 --> 00:08:40,600 The Black Pope is a figure who continues to fascinate and mystify his historians and observers of the Vatican. 119 00:08:40,600 --> 00:08:47,240 His story is one of power, corruption, and mystery, and deserves to be better known. 120 00:08:47,240 --> 00:08:53,800 The Black Pope is a symbol of the dark side of the Catholic Church and his story is a warning to all who 121 00:08:53,800 --> 00:08:57,000 would seek to wield power within its walls. 122 00:08:57,000 --> 00:09:03,400 The Black Pope is a reminder that even the holiest of institutions can be tainted by human frailty. 123 00:09:17,240 --> 00:09:23,880 The Black Pope is a symbol of the dark side of the Catholic Church.