When it comes to the topic of leadership it certainly generates a lot of interest and discussion.  Questions swirl around what kind of leader they would become and what impact will they have. Leaders receive attention because of the power they possess and how that will be exercised.

When Pope Francis was first elected as the new leader of the Catholic Church people were quick to search the Internet for his profile.  Before he became Pope Francis, he was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina.  He was known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, a name unknown to most of the world.  Francis chose his name after St Francis of Assisi.  One of the reasons that he chose this saint’s name was because a fellow clergy remarked “we need to do something for the poor.”  Although this statement sounds like a normal statement to make, it helped shape the kind of leader that Francis would become.

Francis made headlines for his unconventional style in electing a simpler approach.  He chose to personally settle his hotel accounts.  He downsized to a humble papal residence and chose to be driven in a motor vehicle brand like most people.  Such acts would have his minders and security detail panicking.  It also made his peers think about their own choices.  Leaders have an impact on others leaders.

When someone in such a powerful position can relate to the ordinary people, people take notice.  They recognise the good shepherd from the bad.  Francis now makes a name for himself as the shepherd for today.  He may have taken inspiration from a saint from hundreds of years ago, but it was the people who he ministered to from his time as shepherd of Buenos Aires that shaped who he is as a leader today.  Francis is known for his saying “be shepherds with the smell of the sheep”.  Leaders know the people they serve and inspire others to do the same.

By Fr Hoang Dinh

Published: 19 July 2024