Let’s learn something from Pope’s lesson in humility

This was Papa Francis week. Though I am not a Catholic, I obtained a good dose of Catholicism in my high school days, having faithfully attended Sunday mass because my protestant-sponsored school only allowed Catholic students out of the school compound on Sundays! Who was I to allow a small matter of faith differential deny me the city sights on Sunday mornings? My non-Catholicism notwithstanding, I recognise the tremendous significance of the Papal visit to Kenya for the Catholic faithful. The Pope’s significance, however, goes way beyond the Catholic faithful. The Catholic Church is one of the most significant international institutions, impacting the lives of millions in many parts of the world and having tremendous influence on global affairs.

The visit by Pope Francis is even more significant in view of the tremendous freshness he has brought to the Catholic Church in the few years since he became Pope. Four valuable lessons, particularly to our leaders stand out from this humble Argentinian. The first one is his humility and servant leadership, learnt through a difficult past. Right from his Papal name Francis, chosen for St Francis of Assisi, the Pope’s simplicity and humility is legendary. From his days as a humble Bishop in Buenos Aires where he lived in a poor neighbourhood and walked or rode the public transport to work, Pope Francis has espoused this cardinal principles of Christ-likeness and true leadership in a manner increasingly foreign to the Church and leadership in general. Loud “in your face” trappings of power are routinely flaunted by Church and political leadership to the public we purport to serve. May the image of the Honda Accord remind us of the true nature of great leadership.