Pope Francis has left a lasting mark on the world, not just as the head of the Catholic Church but as a global figure of compassion and humility. Between 2014 and 2022, Brother Robert “Bob” Schieler, FSC, had the special honour of working closely with Pope Francis while serving as the superior general of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. During this time, he witnessed the Pope’s simple yet powerful leadership, his kind heart, and his deep concern for the poor and the planet.
A Humble Beginning to a Meaningful Relationship
In 2014, after being elected as the superior, Brother Bob was invited by Pope Francis to attend his morning Mass. After the Mass, Brother Bob invited the Pope to visit the Brothers’ headquarters in Rome for the 300th anniversary of Saint John Baptist de La Salle’s passing. The Pope jokingly replied, “Oh, there’ll be another Pope by that time!” But thankfully, he was still Pope when the celebration happened in 2019.
Leading with Compassion and Vision
One of the strongest parts of Pope Francis’s legacy is how he changed the way the Church works. He believed in listening to people from faraway and poor places, not just those at the top. He wanted everyone, especially the poor, to have a voice. He always reminded us that the poor are our greatest teachers.
The Pope didn’t just want to lead Catholics—he tried to serve all people. He believed that real change happens from the bottom up. He often met and spoke with people from other religions, including Muslims, Jews, and people of many Asian cultures. His goal was to listen, learn, and share respect.
Down-to-Earth and Approachable
Pope Francis is known for his simplicity. When people met him, he gave them his full attention. Unlike many leaders who just shake hands and look away, the Pope would truly listen. He wanted us to treat every person like a brother or sister, especially those who are struggling in life.
He always cared deeply about migrants and people who were left out of society. He reminded us of the Old Testament’s message to care for the widow, the orphan, and the stranger. If everyone followed that, our world would be a much better place.
Actions That Spoke Louder Than Words
Pope Francis often broke old customs to show his message of love and equality. He chose to live in a simple room instead of the grand papal apartments and travelled in a small Fiat car. On Holy Thursdays, he washed the feet of not just men, but also women, the homeless, Muslims, and Jews—showing that all are equal in God’s eyes.
He truly followed the teaching of Saint Francis of Assisi, who said, “Preach the Gospel, and use words if necessary.”
Encouraging New Voices in the Church
In 2018, during the Synod on Youth, Brother Bob and another brother were given the rare chance to vote, which was usually only for ordained men like bishops and cardinals. When they asked Pope Francis why women weren’t allowed to vote, he honestly replied that getting permission for brothers to vote was already a big challenge, but he was working on it. True to his word, later synods allowed voting rights for not only sisters but also lay people. That’s the kind of leader Pope Francis is—a man of action and progress.
A Lasting Impression of Peace
Pope Francis would often meet with leaders of religious groups in Rome. He didn’t come with a fixed plan but instead invited open conversations. In one such meeting, when asked about his health, he shared a personal moment. He said that the day he became Pope and stood on the balcony at St. Peter’s Square, he felt a deep peace. Despite all the pressures and problems he faced later, that peaceful feeling never left him. He believed it was a gift from the Spirit.
That peaceful spirit and kind heart defined Pope Francis’s time as leader. His leadership wasn’t just about rules and rituals—it was about love, listening, and learning.
Pope Francis has inspired millions with his simple way of life, his deep concern for others, and his focus on building a world that includes everyone. Whether it was through washing the feet of the poor, promoting care for the environment, or opening doors for more people to speak within the Church, his actions always reflected his deep love for humanity. His story teaches us that true leadership comes from humility, service, and treating everyone with respect.
