Five Leadership Lessons from Pope Francis

(In honour of a leader whose legacy goes far beyond the walls of the Vatican.)

On Saturday, the world bid farewell to a leader whose influence extended far beyond the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis didn’t just guide an institution—he showed us a radically human way to lead.

At a time when leadership often feels transactional or ego-driven, he offered something different:

Leadership rooted in humility, courage, and service.

It’s important to recognise that his papacy was not without controversy or division.

Pope Francis challenged traditions, confronted internal resistance, and made decisions that polarised opinions both within the Church and beyond.

And crucially, this reflection on his leadership does not minimise the deep, ongoing suffering of survivors of child sexual abuse within the Church.

Their testimony must continue to be heard, honoured, and acted upon with full seriousness. 

Reflections of any leader should never erase or excuse institutional failures, including those that Pope Francis dealt with during his time in leadership.

Within that complexity, however, there are still valuable lessons in the way he tried to model a different style of leadership: one centered on service, humility, and radical empathy.

Here are five leadership lessons from Pope Francis that every leader—regardless of sector or religious beliefs—can learn from:

Lead with humility, not ego.

"Authentic power is service." 

Pope Francis chose simplicity over status. Leadership isn’t about privilege—it's about lifting others.

Embody radical empathy.

"A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just."

He went where others wouldn't—standing with the poor, the sick, the forgotten. True leadership starts with seeing.

Face hard truths with transparency.

"The truth may be bitter, but it is healthy." 

He confronted painful realities head-on, and unlike any previous Pope, reminding us that honesty is essential for real trust.

Stay grounded in purpose.

"We have to encourage people to move towards what they think is Good." 

In controversy and complexity, he stayed anchored to mission—not popularity.

Communicate with clarity and heart.

"Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you." 

He spoke simply and powerfully, connecting with both minds and hearts.

Final thought: "The world tells us to seek success, power, and money; God tells us to seek humility, service, and love."

Pope Francis’ leadership legacy endures—and in an era hungry for authentic leadership, his example challenges all of us to lead differently.

Looking to make your leaders more effective? Get in touch with Tigris Consulting and Mediation for expert guidance on how to take your leadership skills to the next level, work more effectively as a senior team and build conflict-resilient organisations. Visit Coaching & Leadership Development or email us here.

About the author

Rakhee Verma is a seasoned leader in sales, business development, marketing, and strategic communication, with over 15 years of leadership experience across the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors—including within PwC and the United Nations

Rakhee has cultivated and managed high-value strategic relationships with FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies and is frequently engaged for interim board-level assignments, where she leads transformative turnaround strategies and drives sustainable growth.

She is also a trusted business mentor and leadership coach, supporting senior executives to unlock their potential and navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.

An accredited mediator through CEDR, Rakhee brings a wealth of expertise in conflict resolution and negotiation. She has successfully coached leaders to enhance their communication, resolve challenges, and strengthen team cohesion.

Proficient in multiple languages and deeply attuned to diverse cultural contexts, Rakhee brings a truly global mindset and inclusive leadership style to every engagement.

Her culturally intelligent approach fosters authentic connection, drives strategic alignment, and delivers lasting impact across borders and sectors​.

Connect with Rakhee on LinkedIn. Click here.

Image by Annett Klingner from Pixabay