FROMONLINE | 2013-03-18

  • By Tami Lange
  • March 18, 2013
  • 312
                        
I am not Catholic, but I am really liking the new Pope. If you’ve not been paying attention, the Catholic Church has its first Pope Francis, the first pontiff to come from the Western Hemisphere. Since I don’t much keep up on what goes on in Catholicism, nor do I keep up on the goings on in Argentina, I was at a loss to know much about the man who in just a few days’ time became the spiritual leader of 1.2 billion people on this planet. Upon receiving the ultimate in job promotions, the new Pope promptly waved off a limousine, jumped on the bus with the cardinals, then went to the hotel to claim his luggage and pay his bill. Since then, Francis has replaced the red shoes with simple brown loafers, delivered messages without notes (in perfect Italian) and confounded his security detail by happily wading into crowds and standing at the door to greet the faithful – just like any pastor. And by being “just like any pastor,” Francis has shown the world that the beginnings of leadership – whether sacred or civil – come by not abandoning yourself in your ascent up your ladder of choice but rather by not letting success change you. He’s also made a good impression for Christianity worldwide. He walks the walk. He talks the talk. Agree with him or not, he has a value and faith system that directs every moment of his life. I think the world just got a Good Guy. What has impressed me the most has been Francis’s humility. In a world where people build up and then believe their own legends, here is a simple man who spent years in Buenos Aires living in a simple dwelling, eschewing the comforts of the clergy in order to spend time among the poor and the suffering. It’s not as though he’s had no other choices. The former Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has multiple college degrees – including one in chemistry – and certainly had any number of career options. Yet, he chose the priesthood and a life without the trappings many of us consider absolute necessities. Unlike those who may call themselves leaders, Francis has come to Rome with a resume of good works, kindness, humility and a genuine concern for others. I might have missed something – but nowhere do I read how he stepped on others, padded his resume, took shortcuts or gladhanded his way to the top. And now that he’s literally at the top of his profession, it appears success will not change him – even under a new name. Like many, I may not agree with the Pope on some matters, but at age 76, he has had a lifetime of living his beliefs and thus quietly demands our respect. Human rights activists have criticized his behavior during Argentina’s late 20th century dictatorship. He is not a man without failings, but find me one who is. So, whether you’re a Catholic, non-Catholic or non-believer, I think there are lessons to be learned in this new papacy. In a world sorely in need of leadership and role models, we might be well to learn something from a simple Argentinian priest determined to show the world that the valuable things in life are not riches, not power – not even red shoes – but rather a true desire to leave this world a better place for just have been among us, doing good.


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