Pope Francis: A Legacy of Humility, Empathy, and Progressivism

With an understanding of the impact of unpretentious affection, he approached a man with a malformed cranium in the open expanse of St. Peter’s Square, showing humanity through his gentle touch. He garnered global appreciation not merely through such empathetic gestures, but also through his humility and casual demeanor, an impression he first etched when greeting his enthusiastic followers from St. Peter’s Basilica’s loggia with a simple Italian ‘Buonasera’ (‘Good evening’).

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, he hailed as the oldest among five siblings in a typical Italian immigrant family. Throughout his life, his physical stamina was tested due to a chronic pulmonary condition resulting from the removal of a portion of a lung when he was just a young man.

The Pope, appreciated globally for his inclusive approach, once demonstrated his humility by kneeling to clean the feet of a Muslim prisoner. Such actions embody his persuasive informality and goodwill, factors that have significantly contributed to his reputation. His trip to Lampedusa, the Italian island which was then the focal point of Europe’s migrant crisis, was his first official assignment outside Rome post his papal commencement, a reflection of his priorities.

Fast forwarding to February 14, 2025, he was admitted to Gemelli hospital due to a sudden respiratory discomfort which eventually escalated into a bilateral pneumonia. The hospitalization, which lasted for 38 days, was the lengthiest of his 12-year reign as the Pope.

Bergoglio, well-regarded for his progressive viewpoints, allowed women a voice alongside bishops in periodic Vatican assemblies. He did this as a response to long-standing disagreements emphasizing that despite fulfilling most church-related tasks, women are typically excluded from the church’s upper ranks.

His 2014 Christmas discourse directed at the Vatican Curia stands as a memorable moment when he reprimanded his fellow associates. In the Apostolic Palace’s regal Sala Clementina, Bergoglio highlighted 15 vulnerabilities, such as ‘spiritual Alzheimer’s’, a yearning for authority, and the ‘tactic of rumor’. Clearly, his expressions denote his dissatisfaction with the prevailing state of affairs.

Adding to his many firsts, he exhibited his concern for migrants who risk their existence to reach Europe when he visited the island of Lampedusa in Southern Italy, on July 8, 2013. He waved at the crowd, moving through them as he voiced his dissatisfaction with the ‘global indifference’ aligned towards such migrants.

On another occasion on November 17, 2019, he was seen addressing his followers in Vatican City. His interactions with his audience always reflected the humility and empathy that he consistently conveyed through his actions as Pope.

In a notable event on March 21, 2015, he shared his meal with detainees at Naples’ ‘Poggioreale’ jail in Italy. Following yet another of his humble practices, he served as a perfect example of simplicity and equality, thereby further enhancing his global image.

During a penitential ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on March 17, 2017, he kneeled before a priest to confess. This act, much like many others performed by him, signified his humility and repentance, qualities admired by individuals worldwide.

Bergoglio’s appointment with the Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, held in Rome on November 14, 2013, also signifies his democratic approach. After the meeting at the Quirinale Presidential Palace, he was seen stepping into his car in the courtyard, reflecting his humble yet commanding presence.

His departure from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland on September 22, 2015, caught everyone’s attention as he traveled in a compact Fiat 500. This again demonstrated his modest and practical nature, contrasting starkly with the luxurious and ostentatious image often associated with the Papacy.

Ultimately, every act, gesture, and decision that Bergoglio has made demonstrates his invaluable commitment to humility, empathy, and progressivism. His incredible journey from the son of Italian immigrants to Pope, his assertive yet gentle leadership, and his unwavering dedication to bridging societal gaps look set to establish his legacy as a Pope for the people.

His willingness to integrate women into the Church’s discussions and his open embrace of humble practices, such as washing a Muslim prisoner’s feet and eating with inmates, reinforce the notion of ‘servant leadership’ he embodies. These acts also beautifully highlight his determination to challenge stereotypes, assumptions, and prejudices in the name of the faith he represents.

However, his tenure as Pope was not without severe challenges. His struggle with chronic lung disease and ensuing hospitalization brought forth his resilience. His steadfast dedication to his duty, despite these health adversities, demonstrates his immense strength and resolve, further cementing his legacy.

Thus, the life and papacy of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, or Pope Francis as he is better known, serves as an inspirational example of servant leadership, humility, and steadfast dedication. This Pope, who greeted the world with a humble ‘Buonasera’, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.