Twelve Years of Pope Francis: A Masterclass in Leadership for the Modern Age (OPINION)
Through humility, service to the poor and fearless peacebuilding, Pope Francis sets a standard for political and religious leaders seeking authentic influence.
By Sir Churchill E. Ajusah
When Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as Pope Francis on March 13, 2013, few could have predicted the profound impact he would have not only on the Catholic Church but also on the entire world. Over the past twelve years, Pope Francis has redefined the papacy with a focus on humility, compassion, and peace. His leadership offers rich lessons for world leaders today.
From the very beginning of his pontificate, Pope Francis made it clear that he would prioritize the marginalized. His choice of the name “Francis”, a name that reflects St. Francis of Assisi’s humble ministry was an early signal of his mission. The name also recalls St. Francis Xavier, who co-founded the Jesuit order to which the pope belonged. He called for a “poor Church for the poor,” and he lived this out through tireless advocacy for economic justice, refugee rights, and social inclusion.
Throughout his travels, Pope Francis visited slums, refugee camps, and areas devastated by conflict and natural disasters. In speeches and writings, he condemned the “throwaway culture” that discards the vulnerable and elevates the wealthy. His landmark encyclical Evangelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Gospel”) called on the Church to move beyond its walls and engage directly with the suffering world, urging Christians to resist the temptation of indifference.
Perhaps no image better captures his dedication than that of Pope Francis embracing the sick, the disabled, and the outcasts with tenderness. His support for migrants and refugees, notably during the height of the Syrian refugee crisis was a powerful call for solidarity in an increasingly divided world.
Pope Francis’s approach to international relations was rooted deeply in peace building and dialogue. In an era marked by growing political polarization, war, and environmental degradation, he stood consistently for diplomacy, reconciliation, and nonviolence.
He played a key behind-the-scenes role in the 2014 restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba, acting as a trusted mediator. His landmark visits to war zones, including Iraq in 2021 were bold gestures of hope. In places long torn apart by conflict, he preached forgiveness and coexistence, speaking directly to victims and perpetrators alike.
Francis also made interfaith dialogue a cornerstone of his papacy. His meetings with Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, and secular leaders sought to bridge religious divides and promote common human dignity. His historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar in 2019 is widely seen as a major step toward global religious harmony.
Perhaps one of the most distinctive features of Pope Francis’s reign has been his radical simplicity. Rejecting the luxurious Apostolic Palace, he chose instead to live in the modest Casa Santa Marta guesthouse in Vatican City. He opted for a modest Ford Focus rather than the ornate Popemobile or luxury vehicles traditionally associated with popes. His personal bank account remained simple, avoiding the massive wealth accumulation sometimes seen in religious or political figures.
Regarding gifts, Francis maintained strict policies. He often auctioned or donated gifts he received to charitable causes rather than keeping them. For instance, he sold a Harley-Davidson motorcycle gifted to him, with the proceeds going to a homeless shelter in Rome. These gestures were not just symbolic; they reinforced his message that leadership should be about service, not privilege.
Pope Francis consistently warned against materialism, calling it a spiritual sickness. In an increasingly consumerist world, he reminded the faithful and by extension, all people that true happiness is found in relationships, solidarity, and love, not in possessions.
In an age where many leaders chase personal wealth, power, and fame, Pope Francis stands as a compelling counterexample. His leadership model is grounded in humility, authenticity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the common good. For world leaders, his twelve years offer several vital lessons such as:
- Service over Self-Interest: Francis embodies servant leadership. He demonstrates that true authority stems from service, not domination, a powerful reminder for politicians who too often lose sight of the people they serve.
- Focus on the Marginalized: His persistent attention to the poor, refugees, and the environment underscores the importance of inclusive policies that prioritize the most vulnerable, not just the elite.
- Promote Peace and Dialogue: His success in mediation efforts highlights the importance of patient, honest dialogue over aggressive posturing and military solutions.
- Live What You Preach: Perhaps most strikingly, Francis models personal integrity. His refusal of luxury living reinforces the credibility of his message. Leaders who live modestly and transparently are more likely to gain genuine trust and respect.
- Protect the Planet: His 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’ elevated environmental stewardship as a moral imperative. In it, he warned of the interconnected crises of environmental destruction and social inequality, offering a prophetic vision for global sustainability.
Having been called to eternal glory after his twelve years papacy, Pope Francis remains a global moral compass. Through his care for the poor, his peace initiatives, his lifestyle of profound humility, and his courageous truth telling, he has left an indelible mark not just on the Catholic Church, but on humanity as a whole. In a time of widespread disillusionment with political and religious leadership, Pope Francis’s example shines all the more brightly, a testament to the enduring power of compassion, simplicity, and genuine service.
