With eyes posted on Europe, with eyes open to America: the french connections of the Social Centres of the Society of Jesus in Latin America (1930-1980)

Abstract:

This article aims to analyze the formation of the Research and Social Action Centres (CIAS) founded by the Society of Jesus in Latin America from the 1950s on, having as axis of investigation the french connections present in their origin and consolidation. Starting from the hypothesis that the social apostolate promoted by these social centers configured a transition between Social Catholicism and Liberation Christianity, we intend to investigate the networks of exchange and cooperation woven between Europe and Latin America between 1930 and 1980, having as the fulcrum the specific performance of the french jesuit social center Action Populaire, which served as inspiration for the constitution of the mentioned CIAS. Adopting the perspective of a transnational history of Catholicism, we will seek to approach such contacts from the optics of multiple exchanges and cultural transfers, attenting not only to the production but also to the circulation and reception of these ideas, as well as to their distinct uses, interpretations and appropriations.

Keywords:
Society of Jesus; social centres; Latin America; french connections; transnational history