Indeed, the world witnesses a fascinating tapestry of different leadership styles from time to time, each leaving its own distinct imprint on it. Some leaders inspire through charismatic vision and the power of their oratory, mobilising the masses with a compelling sense of purpose. Others prioritise pragmatic governance, focusing on stability, policy implementation, and tangible results.
We also see those who lead through quiet example and collaborative consensus-building, fostering unity and empowering those around them. Conversely, history also records leaders who exert influence through authority and control, shaping their societies through a more hierarchical approach. The effectiveness and legacy of these diverse leadership styles are often judged by the unique contexts they navigate and the long-term impact they have on the people they serve.
The late Pope Francis, since his election in 2013, embarked on a remarkable journey, consistently embodying yet another unique style of leadership deeply rooted in service, humility, and a profound connection with the marginalised. His approach resonated globally, influencing not only the Catholic Church but also broader societal conversations.
His 12-year tenure as Pope was marked by actions that speak louder than words and a persistent call for a Church that acts as a ‘field hospital’, ever ready to heal the wounds of the world. He redefined the role of the Papacy, infusing it with a pastoral heart, and bringing a tangible sense of compassion to this highest office in the Catholic Church.
A defining characteristic of Pope Francis’ Papacy was his unwavering commitment to servant leadership. This was not merely a theoretical concept, but a lived reality, woven into the fabric of his daily actions. A powerful and recurring symbol of this was his annual tradition of washing the feet of prisoners, refugees, or the elderly on Maundy Thursday during the Liturgical Celebration.
Unwavering commitment
This act, a direct echo of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, underscored his unwavering commitment to serving those relegated to the fringes of society. It is undoubtedly a physical, visible demonstration of his belief that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and compassion. This was not merely a ritual, but a lived expression of his belief in the equality of all people before God.
His constant emphasis on the marginalised was another cornerstone of his servant leadership. He consistently advocated for the poor, refugees, and those often overlooked by society. His words and actions always reflected a deep, abiding concern for social justice. His visits to impoverished areas, his passionate pleas for global solidarity, and his direct engagement with those suffering clearly highlighted his dedication to addressing inequality.
His trip to the Greek island of Lesbos in 2016, where he personally brought 12 Syrian refugees (including children) back to Rome, is a poignant example in this regard. The metaphor, ‘shepherds with the smell of the sheep’, attributed to Pope Francis, encapsulates his call for all pastors and leaders to be intimately close to their people, understanding their struggles, and walking alongside them in their daily lives. This approach has redefined the role of leadership, shifting its focus from hierarchical authority to compassionate companionship. It is indeed a fitting clarion call for all leaders to be available, to listen, and to serve.
His landmark Encyclical, Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home, is a powerful and urgent call for global action to address climate change and protect the environment. This reflects his understanding of service as extending beyond humanity to encompass the care of entire creation. He kept on repeatedly calling for a change in lifestyles to reduce the damage humanity causes to the Earth, linking environmental concerns with social justice.
Pope Francis also consistently broke protocol to engage directly with people, especially the sick and those in need. These actions show his deep personal care and a desire to connect on a human level, bypassing the formalities which often separate leaders from the people they serve.
Pope Francis’ leadership was deeply rooted in the Gospel message of love, service, and compassion. The verse from the Gospel of Saint Matthew, “… just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (20:28), encapsulates the essence of his servant leadership, a principle he embodied in his daily actions. He frequently referenced the importance of mercy and love, making it a cornerstone of his Papacy.
Simple living
His personal example of simple living, his choice to reside in the Vatican’s guesthouse rather than the Papal apartments and his rejection of ostentation have all been powerful witnesses to the values he espoused. He showed that true leadership is not about power or prestige, but about service and humility.
Also, he tirelessly promoted interfaith dialogue and encouraged a ‘Culture of Encounter and Inclusivity’, emphasising the importance of building bridges and fostering understanding between people of different faiths and backgrounds. Also he sought to break down barriers and promote unity.
Pope Francis’ legacy is one of a leader who prioritised service, compassion, and also deep, authentic connection with humanity. His actions and words have inspired many, both within and outside the Catholic Church, to embrace a more just, compassionate, and merciful world. His unwavering dedication to serving the most vulnerable, his passionate calls to care for our common home, and his commitment to building bridges of dialogue will leave a lasting and profound impact on the Catholic Church and the world.
He has thus shown that true leadership is found only in service, and that love and mercy are the cornerstones of a truly transformative world with the immanent feature of prioritising human dignity and sanctity of life above all else.
He bent a weary knee, in humble cloth,
A shepherd’s heart, where gentlest mercies troth,
No gilded throne, but hands that washed the sore,
A servant’s path, where love unlocked the door!
He spoke of bridges, not of towering walls,
A whispered grace, where broken spirit calls,
With open arms, he gathered the lost and weak,
A quiet strength, the truth he dared to speak…!
