As the 266th figurehead of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis has portrayed himself as an unconventional Pope with his clear humility towards the public. In the modern age, the Pope plays the role of an international diplomat who mends disputes and the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves. As the wealth gap further separates social classes, the nation spotlights immigration policies, and international conflicts occur more frequently, the Pope’s responsibilities beyond the role of religious leader intensify.

Popes traditionally serve as fathers of the entire Catholic faith, concerning themselves with only religious affairs. However, from his inauguration to the current year, Pope Francis has taken a different route from his predecessors to portray humility and devotion to his religion by adopting a simple lifestyle. He dresses simply and refuses the lavish clothing and treatment that comes with the role of Pope, choosing to reside in the modest Vatican chapel instead of the ornate Apostolic Palace.

Student Brian Wen ‘18 elaborates on Pope Francis’s role in the world by stating, “Pope Francis has become the figure-head of the Catholic Church. With an amiable personality along with a lenient theology of religion, he has created an atmosphere for billions of people to appreciate the traditions of Catholicism.”

Furthermore, the Pope’s traits of compassion for others, unorthodox ruling, and humility towards the people manifest when he associates with both the affluent and the poor; the Pope’s visit to St. Maria’s Meal Program in New York further stresses Pope Francis’s desire to care for the poor. With his actions, Pope Francis serves as a religious leader who progressively betters the world.

Existing as the head of the oldest diplomatic service, Pope Francis plays the role of an international diplomat who mends relationships and resolves tensions between countries. Last year, the Pope organized a meeting involving President Barack Obama and the Cuban President Raul Castro to discuss reconciliation between the two nations. The Pope’s intervention and his frankness induced a common agreement which also renewed peace and diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba. Pope Francis’s diplomatic skill and the respect he commands as a Pope allow him to influence both the relations between nations and the thoughts of the people.

Moreover, as the 2016 pre-presidential race started, many candidates have spewed hatred toward illegal immigrants for their own political gain. Candidates, trying to appeal to conservatives, offer promises of stronger border security and harsher punishments for illegal immigrants. In response, the Pope explains, “We, the people of this continent, are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners. I say this to you as son of immigrants, knowing that so many of you are also descended from immigrants.” The Pope addresses the bullying of immigrants and provides an insightful point that forces one to reevaluate the brash statements given by the candidates.

Furthermore, Nicole So ‘19 states, “Pope Francis does not only try to appeal to Catholics, but to people as a whole.” The Pope’s humanism provides an influential point of view on immigration, and he defines himself as a friendly global leader who strives to change the world into a better place.