Abstract

The Society of Jesus has had a long relationship with China, beginning with the failed attempt by Francis Xavier to enter the country through to the achievements of Matteo Ricci, his companions, and successors. The missionaries introduced European science, including medicine, with which they engaged both the imperial court and the commoners. The eventual expulsion of the Jesuits and formal reconnection with China via the current papacy gives a poignancy to the consideration of medicine and environmental concerns. Pope Francis is the first Jesuit to be elected to the papacy. He is also the first pope to formalize an agreement with Beijing over the...