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Exploring Pope Francis Leadership Style and Its Impact

When you think of a cardinal in the Catholic Church, it’s easy to imagine someone with significant influence–overseeing a diocese, running a major Vatican office, or preparing for a conclave to elect the next pope. After all, the red hat–symbolizing a cardinal’s willingness to shed their blood for the faith–comes with centuries of tradition and authority.

But under Pope Francis, things aren’t quite that straightforward.

In fact, some cardinals under Francis have waited years without receiving an official assignment. Others, even those with impressive resumes, remain in limbo, performing smaller but still meaningful roles in the life of the Church. This raises an intriguing question: what is Pope Francis up to?

Let’s take a closer look.

A Shift in Perspective

First, Pope Francis seems to be rethinking what it means to be a cardinal. In his view, the red hat doesn’t automatically entitle someone to a prominent position in the Church. Figures like Cardinal Gerhard Müller, Cardinal Raymond Burke, and Cardinal Philippe Barbarin–each of whom once held significant roles–now find themselves without official assignments.

But here’s the thing: these cardinals are far from sidelined. They’re still active in preaching, celebrating Mass, speaking at conferences, and engaging in academic or advocacy work. This suggests that Francis sees their influence as broader than any particular role.

In effect, he’s redefining leadership in the Church. Rather than tying a cardinal’s identity to a bureaucratic title, Francis seems more focused on their spiritual, symbolic, and pastoral contributions. It’s a reminder that the Church’s mission extends far beyond administrative structures.

Strategic Moves for the Church’s Future

This approach isn’t just practical; it’s strategic. The College of Cardinals–the body that will eventually elect the next pope–is a key part of Francis’ vision for the Church. Through his appointments, Francis has worked to shape a more global, inclusive, and outward-looking group of leaders.

For example, many of the cardinals he’s chosen come from the Global South, regions historically underrepresented in the Church’s highest ranks. From Africa to Asia to Latin America, these leaders reflect the diverse realities of the universal Church.

By elevating cardinals from these areas, Francis is sending a clear message: the Church’s future lies in engaging with its global faithful and addressing the unique challenges they face. This isn’t diversity for its own sake; it’s a practical move to ensure that the Church is equipped to respond to the needs of the 21st century.

Patience in a Big Institution

Of course, part of this waiting game comes down to logistics. There are only so many Vatican offices or diocesan appointments to go around. Sometimes, cardinals have to wait for positions to open up.

For instance, Cardinal Kevin Farrell and Cardinal João Braz de Aviz both spent time without major assignments before stepping into key roles. This might feel unusual in a Church known for its hierarchical structure, but it’s also part of its deeply organic, deliberative nature.

Things don’t move quickly in the Vatican, and that’s not necessarily a flaw. Instead, it reflects the Church’s long-term thinking–a hallmark of its 2,000-year history.

Asymmetric Appointments: Creating New Possibilities

Another key feature of Francis’ strategy is his use of asymmetric appointments. Instead of following traditional pathways for leadership roles, he often places individuals in unexpected positions–or even creates entirely new ones to suit his vision.

Take, for example, Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, Cardinal Michael Czerny, and Cardinal Fabio Baggio. Each was assigned to roles that broke with conventional expectations but highlighted Francis’ priorities: immigration, social justice, and pastoral care.

These appointments illustrate a broader shift in how leadership is exercised in the Church. By stepping away from rigid structures, Francis is creating new possibilities for governance, ensuring that leadership serves the Church’s mission rather than simply upholding tradition for tradition’s sake.

Examples of His Vision in Action

Pope Francis’ approach is visible in the issues his appointees champion. For instance, Cardinal Michael Czerny’s work with migrants and refugees directly reflects the pope’s focus on mercy and solidarity with the marginalized. Similarly, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich’s leadership on environmental issues aligns with Francis’ emphasis on care for creation in Laudato Si’.

These examples show how Francis is slowly but surely steering the Church toward his vision. Each appointment, each new initiative, is a step in the process of building a more missionary, inclusive Church–one that reflects the needs and realities of today’s world.

Challenges and Opportunities

Of course, not everyone is thrilled with these changes. Some cardinals may feel sidelined or underutilized, while others may struggle with Francis’ unconventional methods. And let’s face it: change in a 2,000-year-old institution is never easy.

Yet, this approach also brings opportunities. By decoupling the red hat from bureaucratic expectations, Francis is freeing cardinals to focus on their spiritual mission. Leadership in the Church isn’t just about holding a title–it’s about service, humility, and engaging with the world in meaningful ways.

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, Pope Francis’ leadership reflects his vision of a “Church that goes forth.” It’s a Church less focused on internal power struggles and more concerned with evangelization, mercy, and global solidarity.

This strategy is both gradual and forward-looking. Francis understands that lasting change takes time, and he seems content to plant seeds now, trusting that future generations will see them bear fruit.

So, the next time you hear about a cardinal without an official assignment, don’t assume they’re out of the game. Instead, see them as part of a larger, dynamic vision for the Church–a vision that’s unfolding step by step, guided by the Spirit and rooted in hope.

Sources and Recommended Reading

For those looking to explore more about Pope Francis’ leadership style, the concept of inclusive leadership, and the future of the Catholic Church, here are some key resources:

1. Books by Pope Francis

• Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) – Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation on the Church’s mission of evangelization.

• Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home – His groundbreaking encyclical on environmental stewardship.

• Fratelli Tutti (All Brothers) – A reflection on fraternity and social friendship.

2. On Church Leadership and Governance

• To Change the Church: Pope Francis and the Future of Catholicism by Ross Douthat – A thoughtful examination of Francis’ papacy and its implications for the Church.

• Lead with Humility: 12 Leadership Lessons from Pope Francis by Jeffrey Krames – Insights into Francis’ leadership principles and their application beyond the Church.

3. On the Global Church

• A Future of Faith: The Path of Change in Politics and Society by Pope Francis and Dominique Wolton – A dialogue exploring Francis’ thoughts on modern society and the Church’s role.

• The Globalization of God: Religion, Secularism, and the Call to Justice by Fr. Daniel J. Groody – A look at how faith communities engage with global challenges.

4. On Inclusivity and Social Justice

• The Church of Mercy by Pope Francis – A collection of homilies and speeches highlighting his vision of a Church that prioritizes mercy and inclusion.

• Catholic Social Teaching: A Guide for the Perplexed by Anthony M. Esolen – A concise introduction to the Church’s teachings on social justice.

5. Biographies and Context

• The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope by Austen Ivereigh – A comprehensive biography of Pope Francis and his transformative vision for the Church.

• Francis of Rome and Francis of Assisi: A New Springtime for the Church by Leonardo Boff – Drawing connections between Pope Francis and his namesake, St. Francis of Assisi.

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In his book A Good Life, Pope Francis delivers a striking critique of what he calls “temporal compassion.” He writes:

“Temporal compassion is completely useless! That kind of compassion has us, at the very most, reaching into our pockets and extracting a few coins. If Christ had had that kind of compassion, He would have cured three or four people and then returned to the Heavenly Father.”

At first glance, this statement might seem surprising—how can compassion ever be “useless”? Isn’t charity foundational to the Christian life? Well, not so fast. Pope Francis isn’t rejecting compassion outright; rather, he’s inviting us to reflect more deeply. His words challenge us to move beyond shallow acts of kindness and embrace a love that transforms. So, let’s break this down.

What’s the Problem with Temporal Compassion?

If we’re honest, many of us have likely practiced what Pope Francis calls “temporal compassion.” It’s a response that’s fleeting—more about easing our own conscience than truly addressing another’s suffering. Think about it:

Tossing a few coins into a collection jar and moving on.
Offering a quick “thoughts and prayers” on social media without any further action.
Giving a meal to someone experiencing homelessness but never learning their name or story.

While these gestures may seem generous, they often fall short. Why? Because they fail to engage with the deeper pain and dignity of the person in need. Worse yet, they can become an excuse for inaction—something we do so we can say, “Well, I did my part.”

Pope Francis likens this to Christ merely healing a few people and then retreating to the comfort of heaven. But Christ didn’t do that. His love wasn’t about appearances or quick fixes. It was—and still is—radically transformative.

Christ’s Compassion: A Model for Us

What does authentic compassion look like? Let’s consider the example of Jesus.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus weeps at the death of His friend Lazarus (John 11:35). In Luke, He is moved with sorrow when He sees a widow mourning her only son (Luke 7:13). And in Matthew, Jesus looks out at the crowds, sees their helplessness, and is filled with compassion (Matthew 9:36).

Notice something? Christ’s compassion wasn’t distant or fleeting. It wasn’t a momentary gesture of pity. Instead, it was deeply personal and led Him to act. Ultimately, it led Him to the cross, where He bore the full weight of human sin and suffering.

Here’s the key takeaway: Jesus didn’t merely see suffering; He entered into it. And that’s the kind of love Pope Francis is calling us to emulate.

Do We Know How to Weep?

Let’s be honest: when was the last time you truly wept over someone else’s pain?

According to Pope Francis, one of the biggest problems today is that those of us living relatively comfortable lives have forgotten how to weep. We insulate ourselves from the suffering around us—sometimes deliberately, other times simply out of habit.

But as Francis puts it, “There are truths we can see only with eyes that have been cleansed by tears.”

Learning to weep doesn’t mean giving in to despair or wallowing in sadness. It means opening our hearts to the reality of others’ pain. It’s about vulnerability, solidarity, and love.

Temporal Compassion vs. Transformative Love

It’s worth emphasizing that Pope Francis isn’t dismissing acts of charity. Helping someone in need—even in small ways—is always good. But he’s urging us to go deeper.

Temporal compassion is limited to immediate relief. True compassion, on the other hand, seeks the flourishing of the whole person—spiritually, emotionally, and materially. It addresses the root causes of suffering, not just the symptoms.

For example:

Superficial charity might look like giving money to someone experiencing homelessness and walking away.
Transformative love might involve sitting with them, learning their story, and helping them connect with resources that offer long-term solutions.

Pope Francis calls this deeper love “learning to weep.” It’s not about pity. It’s about solidarity—a willingness to bear another’s burdens and walk alongside them on the road to healing.

Living Out True Compassion

So, how do we move beyond temporal compassion and embrace transformative love? Here are three practical steps to get started:

See the Person, Not Just the Need
It’s easy to focus on what someone lacks—money, food, housing—and forget that they’re a person with a unique story. Take time to truly encounter those who are suffering. Ask questions. Listen. Recognize their dignity.
Act with Sacrificial Love
True compassion often requires time, effort, and personal sacrifice. Are you willing to get uncomfortable? Whether it’s volunteering regularly, mentoring someone in need, or simply being present for a grieving friend, love that costs something is love that transforms.
Commit to Justice
Charity is essential, but so is justice. Ask yourself: why does this suffering exist in the first place? Work to address systemic issues—whether that’s advocating for fair policies, supporting organizations that promote long-term solutions, or building relationships with marginalized communities.

Conclusion: Be Brave—Learn to Cry

Pope Francis’s critique of temporal compassion is a challenge for all of us. It’s a reminder that our faith demands more than fleeting acts of charity. It calls us to a love that transforms.

Let us learn from Christ, who wept with those who mourned and embraced the suffering of humanity in its fullness. As Pope Francis urges, “Be brave—do not be afraid to cry!” In doing so, we become instruments of God’s mercy, bringing His healing love into a world desperately in need.

So, what might this kind of compassion look like in your life? Are you ready to weep with Christ?