There are 1.2 billion Roman Catholics in the world, representing about 17% of the world’s population. So when the Pope speaks a lot of people listen.
Pope Francis has been “speaking” a great deal since he was installed a few months ago as the 266th leader of the Catholic world. From his choice of names, “Francis” for Francis of Assisi ( one who ministered to the poor), to early on approving of gay civil unions, to washing the feet of a Muslim woman, he has made it clear that his papacy would be radically different from his predecessors.
Pope Francis has shown himself to be an inclusive, non-judgmental leader. He uses social media (Twitter) on a regular basis and even avowed Atheists are approvingly retweeting some of his commentary.
Shunning the traditional bullet-proof “pope-mobiles” in favor of open top jeeps so that he can be closer to the people, this Pope clearly sends a message of openness and love.
His actions show that he embraces diversity and takes on controversial issues. He has been accused already of advocating for illegal immigration related to migrants from Africa and the Middle East who each year cross from Tunisia and Libya to a remote island in Italy. He said the migrants were “brothers and sisters of ours trying to escape difficult situations to find some serenity and peace.” When a group of 35,000 Harley Davidson bikers appeared in St. Peter’s Square, he blessed them all. He has publicly advocated for a greater role of women in the Catholic Church (not Priesthood, however).
This week the Pope met with the press on his return from an historic visit to Brazil. Unlike other Popes, there were no off limit topics or questions. When asked about gay priests, the Pope answered the question with a question of his own… “If someone is gay and he searches for the Lord and has good will, who am I to judge?”
As a diversity and inclusion practitioner for over 30 years now, this change in tone is one of those halleluiah jump up and down moments of victory. Pope Francis has tremendous influence over the hearts and minds of his followers and this comment I am sure will cause a lot of soul searching and questioning of long held attitudes and beliefs. The simple yet profound question, “Who am I to judge?” is truly at the core of our diversity and inclusion work.
Photo Credit: WorldNews.NBCNews.com
