Ignacio Visconti


Very Rev. Ignazio Visconti, S.J. was an Italian Jesuit, elected sixteenth Superior General of the Society of Jesus which he governed from 4 July 1751 to 4 May 1755.

Formation and early career

Visconti was born in Milan, Italy. A student of the Parma Jesuit school, he joined the Society of Jesus in 1702, in spite of his family opposition. After the usual spiritual formation and Philo-Theological training, Visconti was a teacher of Letters for twenty year. In addition, he was professor of Philosophy in Milan. In his spiritual ministry he was giving special attention to the strengthening of the Marian Congregations. For three years he was provincial of Milan. In 1737 he was called to Rome as Assistant of Franz Retz for the Italian affairs of the Society.