THE EDITOR, Madame:
As the world reflects on Pope Francis’ passing, it is imperative to examine the essence of his leadership style, which transcended mere promises and sought to enact meaningful change. A transformational leader, as epitomised by Pope Francis, articulates a shared vision that empowers individuals across diverse backgrounds to contribute to a collective purpose.
Pope Francis’s landmark encyclical, The Joy of the Gospel (2013), is a profound blueprint for his leadership. In it, he asserts that the Gospel brings joy to all who encounter Christ, thereby calling upon every member of the Church, not solely the clergy, to embrace their role as evangelisers. This inclusive approach challenges the traditional hierarchical structure, urging laypeople and women to actively foster spiritual growth and community engagement. Moreover, Pope Francis’s critique of a “throwaway culture” sheds light on pressing societal issues, such as inequality and unbridled capitalism. His insistence that the Church prioritises the marginalised resonates deeply in today’s socio-economic landscape, where the needs of the vulnerable often go overlooked. By advocating for economic systems that uphold human dignity rather than exploit it, he has redefined what it means to lead ethically.
Pope Francis’ leadership was a call for “Action, not a Bag of Mouth” (Nadine Sutherland). He lived simply among priests, drove a small Fiat car, kept the issues of the Global South alive, fearlessly challenged religious and political leaders who failed to uphold human dignity, and called for the embodiment of Christ’s merciful inclusion of all peoples, and prayed constantly for victims of war, migration, and natural disasters. Whenever he made overseas pastoral visits, he insisted on meeting the marginalised.
These examples highlight his commitment to those on the fringes of society, reinforcing the notion that true leadership involves walking alongside the oppressed. His ritual of washing the feet of prisoners illustrated his belief in humility and service, challenging the conventional perceptions of authority.
As we mourn his death, we also celebrate the enduring legacy of his transformational leadership model. In a time of leadership crisis globally and in the Caribbean, where leaders place their self-centred desires first, Pope Francis’ leadership legacy is a model for religious and political leaders who aspire to create a more just and compassionate world. Let us, therefore, heed his call to move beyond rhetoric and engage in actions that uplift humanity.
Rev. Fr. Donald Chambers
