REFLECTION: POPE JOHN XXIII A MODEL OF LEADERSHIP

Pope John XXIII was elected to the papacy in October 1958 at the age of 77. Most people thought that he would be a caretaker pope, but he surprised the world when he declared that he would convene the Second Vatican Council. On January 25th of this year we observe the anniversary of that announcement.

The newly elected pope presented himself to Rome and to the world as a pastor and made it clear that he wanted to be known not as the prince, the ruler, but the priest, the father, the shepherd.

Both in word and in deed he made it clear that the leader is one who serves, the leader is one who listens, the leader is one who does not rely on interdicts and excommunications and raw exercise of power. The leader is one who is not afraid to take risks. The leader is one who suspends judgment on the weaknesses and sins of others. The leader is one who builds bridges of understanding and tolerance between people of different cultures and races.

Although John XXIII was pope for only five years, in that short time span he did more to unite the Christians of the world than previous popes had done in 500 years.

Would that such leaders emerge not only in our churches but in our civil governments too. Let’s hope and pray that President Barack Obama will be such a leader.

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