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On 21 April 2025, Easter Monday, Pope Francis died in the Vatican at the age of 88. The day before, he had still given the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing. Jorge Mario Bergoglio had been elected pope on 13 March 2013. Many people associate his pontificate with gestures of closeness and simplicity. These gestures make the Quality of Servanthood tangible: those who lead put others above their own standing.
The guesthouse instead of the palace
Situation
After his election, Francis did not move into the Apostolic Palace. He lived in the Vatican guesthouse Santa Marta. He kept wearing his iron pectoral cross from his time as a cardinal, and black shoes. As his namesake he chose Francis of Assisi, for him the man of poverty and peace.
Link to the quality
Servanthood begins with the question of how much distance a leader needs. Privileges create distance from the people you are there for. Those who deliberately give up status symbols remain approachable and send a clear signal.
Washing feet in prison
Situation
On Maundy Thursday 2013, Francis visited the Casal del Marmo juvenile detention centre in Rome. He washed the feet of twelve young inmates, among them two women. Some of the young people were Muslims. In later years, too, he went to prisons on Maundy Thursday.
Link to the quality
Servanthood shows in whom a leader gives their time to. Francis went to people who could give him nothing in return. In everyday life this means: also noticing those at the very bottom of the organisation chart.
The first trip to Lampedusa
Situation
In July 2013, his first trip as pope took him to the Mediterranean island of Lampedusa. There he prayed for drowned migrants. He spoke of a “globalisation of indifference”.
Link to the quality
The first trip is a statement about priorities. Here the Law of the Picture is at work: people do what they see. Leaders show with their calendar what matters to them. Words alone are not enough for that.
The last blessing
Situation
On Easter Sunday, 20 April 2025, Francis appeared in public one last time. He gave the blessing and rode in the popemobile across St Peter’s Square to the people. The next morning he died in Santa Marta. At his own request he was buried in a simple wooden coffin in Santa Maria Maggiore. The tomb bears only the inscription “Franciscus”.
Link to the quality
Servanthood is not a phase but an attitude to the very end. It becomes credible through consistency over many years. Those who show a serving attitude only at times come across as tactical. Those who sustain it shape a culture.
Key takeaways
Key lessons
- Check which privileges separate you from your people.
- Give time also to the people who can give you nothing in return.
- Show with your calendar what matters to you.
- Let gestures speak where words are not enough.
- Stay consistent in your attitude, even when it costs strength.
Summary
Pope Francis made servanthood the visible hallmark of his office. He chose simplicity, went to people on the margins and stayed true to this line for twelve years. For leaders, the lesson lies in the agreement of word and deed. Those who serve lead by their example.