Compassion as an Indispensable Ingredient for Authentic Leadership: Exploring the Mind of Pope Francis

Abstract

Pope Francis has adopted a compassionate style of leadership and has proposed the same style as a template to those in leadership positions; those who are charged with the task of exercising authority whether in the religious or secular circle. Our study has shown that compassion is biblically founded; it is the nature of God and indeed, a gospel value lived by Jesus Himself. Jesus is compassion personified through His words and actions. For the reason that authority comes from God and those in position of authority represent and deputize for God, they should therefore adopt the style of God; the style of compassion in exercising authority. The study also demonstrates that adopting a compassionate leadership style does not in any way endanger the principle of justice and equity; rather, it has the capacity to engender and enhance other principles; justice and equity inclusive.