“Our vocation is to help men and women to live their human lives and to live them to the full,” said Father Czerny. “This is the big mission. This is what it means to preach the Gospel and to bring the Good News to the ends of the earth.”

It was the pair’s first extended conversation, though Pope Francis is familiar with Father Martin’s work.

The Vatican said the reason for the apostolic visitation in 2017 was due to “shortcomings concerning the style of government, the life of the members of the council, the pastoral care of vocations, the formation of new vocations, administration, the management of works and fundraising.”

Lithuania's cardinal-designate Sigitas Tamkevicius, a Jesuit and a veteran of Soviet prisons and labor camps, will receive the red hat from Pope Francis Oct. 5 at the Vatican.

Pope Francis received Fr. James Martin S.J. in the papal library of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace this morning.

Pope Francis denounced “the globalization of indifference” as he celebrated Mass in St Peter’s Square on the 105th World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sept. 29.