Introduction
Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, was recognized for his human-centered, approachable, and transformative leadership. His example inspires leaders to build more humane, ethical, and resilient organizations. As the first Latin American pope and Jesuit, he took on the role of leading the Catholic Church in 2013 and adopted the name Francisco.
His progressive style revolutionized the church by addressing topics like homosexuality and abortion, breaking away from traditionalism. His ability to connect with diverse audiences—believers and non-believers alike, political leaders, business executives, youth, and marginalized groups—made him an influential figure beyond the religious sphere.
7 Leadership Lessons from Pope Francis
In an increasingly complex and demanding business world, leaders face the challenge of making decisions that not only drive results but also inspire, build trust, and establish a shared purpose. In this context, Pope Francis—beyond his religious role—became a global reference for ethical, approachable, and transformative leadership.
1. Lead by Example
His background as a Jesuit led him to manage with austerity and focus on simplicity. Upon assuming the papacy, he declined to live in the papal apartments at the Apostolic Palace and instead chose a modest residence within the Vatican, Casa Santa Marta. He also opted for simple clothing, worn-out shoes, and drove a Ford Focus instead of the luxurious “papamobile.”
Lesson: A leader who practices what they preach inspires credibility. It’s not about privileges but coherence between words and actions.
2. Prioritize Purpose
The pontiff stated, “Money should serve, not rule,” and centered his leadership on social justice, caring for the poor, and the environment. In the encyclical Laudato Si’, published in May 2015, he called for caring for the planet over profit, criticizing “wild capitalism” and excessive consumption. He also championed solidarity initiatives, such as free hospitals and food banks for homeless individuals in the Vatican.
Lesson: Companies with a clear purpose, extending beyond economic gain, connect more effectively with their teams, customers, and conscious investors.
3. Promote Inclusion and Diversity
He opened dialogue to traditionally marginalized communities within the Church, such as the LGBT community. He was the first pope to publicly say, “Who am I to judge?” regarding homosexuals seeking God sincerely. He also appointed cardinals from countries previously unrepresented in the College of Cardinals, fostering a more global and diverse Church.
Lesson: Valuing diverse voices and experiences strengthens any organization, preparing it to operate in a pluralistic world.
4. Be Transparent and Own Mistakes
Pope Francis publicly apologized for historical mistakes of the Catholic Church, such as sexual abuse, and acknowledged that the institution failed to protect victims. He established commissions to investigate and prevent such abuses and promoted internal audits of the Vatican Bank.
Lesson: Transparency and accountability build long-term trust. Acknowledging mistakes does not weaken; it strengthens.
5. Human Leadership
His closeness to people demonstrated empathetic and human leadership. He visited prisons, hospitals, refugee camps, and impoverished neighborhoods worldwide, showing that every person, regardless of their condition, deserves dignity and attention. In many audiences, he paused to embrace the sick, greet homeless individuals, or share acts of closeness with children and the elderly.
Lesson: A good leader does not command but understands and focuses on their people, especially during difficult times. Listen, recognize emotions, and act with humanity. Companies that care for people build solid and resilient cultures.
6. Foster Change
He promoted reforms in the Roman Curia, the Vatican’s governing structure, fostering power decentralization and encouraging the use of new technologies in ecclesial communication, even maintaining an active presence on social media.
Lesson: There is no leadership without change. Even a millennia-old institution needs to adapt. Companies must also constantly renew processes and structures.
7. Active Listening
He emphasized dialogue and active listening as essential forms of governance. In Synods, deliberative spaces within the Church, he promoted listening to all voices, including those in disagreement. Instead of imposing unilateral decisions, he sought consensus and promoted global consultations, including grassroots communities, women, and youth.
Lesson: Listening is not just hearing; practice active listening, as a leader who listens to their employees, customers, and stakeholders builds trust and fosters more inclusive solutions.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: How did Pope Francis’ leadership style impact the Catholic Church? A: His progressive approach revolutionized the church, addressing topics like homosexuality and abortion, breaking away from traditionalism. He opened dialogue to traditionally marginalized communities within the Church.
- Q: What lessons can CEOs learn from Pope Francis’ leadership? A: CEOs can apply lessons such as leading by example, prioritizing purpose, promoting inclusion and diversity, being transparent, practicing human leadership, fostering change, and engaging in active listening.
- Q: How did Pope Francis demonstrate transparency and accountability? A: He publicly apologized for historical mistakes of the Catholic Church, established commissions to investigate and prevent abuses, and promoted internal audits of the Vatican Bank.
- Q: What role does active listening play in leadership, according to Pope Francis? A: Active listening is essential for building trust and fostering more inclusive solutions. Pope Francis emphasized dialogue and active listening as forms of governance, promoting consensus and global consultations.
