Let’s learn something from Pope’s lesson in humility

This was Papa Francis week. Though I am not a Catholic, I obtained a good dose of Catholicism in my high school days, having faithfully attended Sunday mass because my protestant-sponsored school only allowed Catholic students out of the school compound on Sundays! Who was I to allow a small matter of faith differential deny me the city sights on Sunday mornings? My non-Catholicism notwithstanding, I recognise the tremendous significance of the Papal visit to Kenya for the Catholic faithful. The Pope’s significance, however, goes way beyond the Catholic faithful. The Catholic Church is one of the most significant international institutions, impacting the lives of millions in many parts of the world and having tremendous influence on global affairs.

The visit by Pope Francis is even more significant in view of the tremendous freshness he has brought to the Catholic Church in the few years since he became Pope. Four valuable lessons, particularly to our leaders stand out from this humble Argentinian. The first one is his humility and servant leadership, learnt through a difficult past. Right from his Papal name Francis, chosen for St Francis of Assisi, the Pope’s simplicity and humility is legendary. From his days as a humble Bishop in Buenos Aires where he lived in a poor neighbourhood and walked or rode the public transport to work, Pope Francis has espoused this cardinal principles of Christ-likeness and true leadership in a manner increasingly foreign to the Church and leadership in general. Loud “in your face” trappings of power are routinely flaunted by Church and political leadership to the public we purport to serve. May the image of the Honda Accord remind us of the true nature of great leadership.

Secondly the Pope’s position on controversial issues like homosexuality and abortion must force us to review our extremist and judgmental attitudes on such social issues that affect many in our social circles. Whilst we have been quick to condemn and be utterly unforgiving to those that made sometimes very difficult choices on abortion and while we demonise and ostracise those that are homosexual, Pope Francis’ position, whilst generally reflective of the traditional view of the Church, is tempered by a plea for more grace; a non-judgmental attitude that separates the deed from the doer and recognises that we are all subjects of grace in a fallen world. May this call make us a gentler, kinder people.

The third lesson from the Pope is his unwavering message on the poor. In a country where the poor are rarely a focus of our public policy considerations, this is a message that needs to be repeated daily. There is no doubt that our economy is growing despite the hiccups that have more to do with poor management than on fundamentals. However this growth remains alien to significant numbers of poor Kenyans.

In the urban informal settlements the early morning trek to work continues. Even programmes to improve the welfare of these slum-dwelling Kenyans have been sacrificed on the political and corruption altar. Peasant cash crop agriculture has largely collapsed. Prices increase of key commodities is intensely felt by the poorest. The breakdown of public education means that many in the poor sector are condemned to a life of poverty; education was for many of us the route out of poverty. Without doubt devolving government has improved the fortunes of many in the margins but even this impacts the local elite more than any other sector. More deliberate policy focus to continually target these sufferers is called for.

Finally the Pope’s call for more tolerance is apt. The rise of global terrorism has inevitably seen the rise of extreme intolerance. Even in former bastions of tolerance like the US mainstream opinion now accepts racial and religious profiling. In Europe, Muslims are routinely harassed and taunted for their faith. Refugees are being denied sanctuary purely on religious grounds. This behaviour only strengthens the jihadist extremists and denies us possible allies in this war that threatens us all, including moderate Muslims. May God help us listen to Pope Francis and help us truly reflect his servant leadership, even as we address these issues that plague our world.