At the same time, Francis s Jesuit background has instilled in him a certain independence and flair for the quirky (like nonchalantly sanctifying John XXIII and John Paul II in one fell swoop). The Society of Jesus whose spirituality is based on a seemingly discordant yet enduring combination of mysticism and realpolitik has forged a paradoxical alliance of fidelity to corporate commands and willingness to give individual talents their due.