Time magazine chose Pope Francis as the Person of the Year, and Esquire magazine chose him as the Best Dressed Man of the Year. In just 10 months, Francis has captured the admiration of many. Here are three lessons he has already taught us in his brief tenure as the chair of Rome:
1. Show compassion. In his native Argentina he often took the subway or the bus to be with the poor in the slums of Buenos Aires. In Rome he quickly showered his love and compassion on the hungry and the poor. You may also have seen the picture of him kissing the man with a face full with boils. He was reported to sneak out of the Vatican at night to feed the homeless in Rome.
2. Pray, because prayer works. Francis rises at 5 a.m. and prays for an hour and celebrates Mass. He also prays for another hour in front of the Blessed Sacrament, before going to bed at 10 p.m. He tells everyone he meets, “Please, pray for me.” When the might of the American military was ready to strike in Syria, Francis asked people of good will to join him in prayer and fasting for peace. And it worked.
3. Lead by example. He has told his priests and bishops not to be bureaucrats, but to lead a simple life; love all, especially the poor; preach the gospel; and hear confessions. As Cardinal Archbishop in Argentina, Francis had presented his letter of resignation and even picked out a place to retire. But when he was elected Pope at age 75, he happily changed plans and gave himself completely to the new job. He parked the papal Mercedes limo and got a Ford Focus to get around wherever he goes.
In his own words, “The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew.” This is the same Jesus who 2.1 billion Christians around the world believe was born on Christmas two thousand years ago, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, rose from the dead and remains with us forever.
Happy New Year!
– Peter Anglada, Kellogg alumnus
WCAS – Life Sciences Financial Services
