In the 476 years since its founding, the Society of Jesus has convened only 35 general congregations. The 36th General Congregation was convened in Rome on October 2, 2016. A general congregation is always summoned on the death or resignation of the head of the Society — the Superior General — to choose his successor, or when the General decides action is needed on serious matters that he cannot or does not want to decide alone. One of the historical moments of the General Congregation took place on October 24, 2016, when the Pope walked into the General Congregation and addressed the gathering. The Pope entered naturally like a Jesuit father among others. But his white cassock marked a visible difference. But that added to the perception that there is a deep bond between the Jesuits and and Church.