Pope Francis As Moral Leader

"This work describes and analyzes the contribution of Pope Francis as an ethicist, a practitioner of discernment, a skilled communicator, and a strong advocate for social justice on the global stage"--

1. Francis, the Ethicist—This chapter provides an overview of the moral theology positions and commitments of Pope Francis. In non-technical language, it explains the methods by which Pope Francis moves from premises to conclusions as he appeals to ethical values and proposes teachings and practices embodying mercy and justice for the church and world. 2. Francis, the Discerner—On display in all his moral teachings and ethical leadership is the rootedness of Francis in the Ignatian practice of discernment. This chapter explains several key dimensions of discernment as practiced in the Jesuit tradition of the Spiritual Exercises and through the motifs of dialogue and synodality. Case studies include the teachings of Francis on the themes of healthy family life and the environment, where the actions he took and the documents he produced (Amoris Laetitia and Laudato Si’) display his Ignatian heritage in profound and illuminating ways. 3. Francis, the Communicator—This chapter documents several public relations strategies by which Francis connects with his global audience to communicate the urgency of enhanced social concern for the marginalized and the moral duties we owe to others in need. Francis displays remarkable communicative skill in conveying his core messages though such techniques as well-chosen papal visits and convening themed gatherings (such as the novel World Meetings of Popular Movements). Examining his choice of symbolic gestures and rhetorical flourishes sheds much light upon the social priorities of Francis. 4. Francis, the Advocate for Social Justice—While the previous chapters address the style and methodology by which Francis proceeds, this final chapter focuses on the substance of his ethical commitments to justice. These include an insistence on workers’ rights, championing the well being of refugees and trafficked persons, promoting peace building and challenging escalating economic inequality.

During his historic visit to the United States in October 2015, Pope Francis encouraged the nation’s bishops to avoid harsh and divisive language, reminding instead that “only the enduring allure of goodness and love remains truly convincing.” These words provide as fine a summary of the Holy Father’s visit (and of Jorge Bergoglio’s papal ministry) as will be found anywhere. In Washington, New York, and Philadelphia, Pope Francis touched the hearts and consciences of Catholics, as well as people of all faiths or no faith, by the power of his gentle witness. The many addresses and homilies offered by the Pope were more than anyone could digest in a few short days. This handy volume gathers all of these texts in a single, inexpensive resource, making them accessible for reflection, study, or prayer by individuals or groups. Included here are his • homily for canonization of St. Junípero Serra • address to the Joint Session of Congress • greeting to a group of homeless people in New York City • address to the United Nations General Assembly • prayer at Ground Zero • extemporaneous address at the Festival of Families • words to victims of sexual abuse • address to inmates at a Philadelphia prison • and much more. This book will serve as a powerful reminder to any reader of “the allure of goodness and love” that America experienced through the presence of Pope Francis.

This book tells the story of The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, presents and analyzes its main points, and describes how its agenda has fared on its sometimes tumultuous journey from the time of Vatican II up to the present. (Publisher).

TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year: Pope Francis Learn about the First Jesuit Pope from America’s Leading Jesuit Publisher “Pope Francis by Chris Lowney is that rare and splendid work that leaves you keenly excited and spiritually moved. The writing is lucid, vivid, inviting, and rich. It’s a major achievement. I strongly recommend it to any Christian in a leadership role.” - Joseph Tetlow, SJ From choosing to live in a simple apartment instead of the papal palace to washing the feet of men and women in a youth detention center, Pope Francis’s actions contradict behaviors expected of a modern leader. Chris Lowney, a former Jesuit seminarian turned Managing Director for JP Morgan & Co., shows how the pope’s words and deeds reveal spiritual principles that have prepared him to lead the Church and influence our world—a rapidly-changing world that requires leaders who value the human need for love, inspiration, and meaning. Drawing on interviews with people who knew him as Father Jorge Bergoglio, SJ, Lowney challenges assumptions about what it takes to be a great leader. In so doing, he reveals the “other-centered” leadership style of a man whose passion is to be with people rather than set apart. Lowney offers a stirring vision of leadership to which we can all aspire in our communities, churches, companies, and families.

How did a relatively unknown priest from Argentina rise so quickly from obscurity to one of the top leaders of the twenty-first century? The answer lies in his humility, as well as the simple principles that have sprung from it. In the years since his election to the highest position in the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has breathed life into an aging institution, reinvigorated a global base, and created real hope for the future. His early accomplishments have been so remarkable that in 2014, Fortune magazine awarded the top spot of their coveted World’s Greatest Leaders list not to a captain of industry or political leader but to the new pontiff. Lead with Humility explores 12 of these principles and shows how other leaders and managers across a broad spectrum can adapt them for the workplace with just as impressive results as our great pope has. These invaluable principles include: Don't stand over your employees--sit down with them Don't judge—assess Take care of people, not lobbies Go where you are needed Temper ideology with pragmatism Don't change--reinvent! Even just a few years in, it is clear to all that Pope Francis's ability to inspire the world is unprecedented in modern times. Lead with Humility reveals the power of his methods, and helps anyone lead with the humility, grace, and authenticity that has elevated the pope to where he is today and had a direct impact in inspiring everyone and everything around him.

Collects twelve lessons in leadership from Pope Franics, that provides readers with a way to become compassionate, authentic, and effective leaders.