Humility

Of all his many beautiful gifts to the world, one that comes immediately to mind is his gift of humility. 

So, what is this gift, this humility?

It is defined as being about finding a balance between acknowledging our strengths and recognizing our limitations, without letting pride or arrogance cloud our judgment or diminish our respect for others. It's a virtue that can lead to more fulfilling relationships, greater understanding, and a more balanced perspective on life.

Humility acknowledges that we are not perfect and that there is always more to learn. 

Humility means not thinking of oneself as superior or special, and avoiding boasting or seeking constant validation. 

Humility recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of all people, regardless of their social status or accomplishments. It means acknowledging the roles others play in our successes and celebrating their achievements. 

Humility is open to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. It listens to others, even when they disagree, and is not afraid to learn from mistakes.

Humility can also involve recognizing a higher power or the vastness and complexity of the natural world. This understanding can foster a sense of awe and wonder, rather than arrogance or control. 

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, on December 17, 1936, in Flores, a neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, exemplified all those gifts throughout his life of incredible service to the world. Those gifts became immediately apparent to the larger world in his first words and acts upon becoming pope on March 13, 2013. He extended those gifts literally until the very end of his exemplary life.

Among his final words, it was reported, was an expression of gratitude for his main caregiver for the compassionate care he received as his health quickly declined. He was always gracious, always grateful, to the very last.

As part of a talk to a general audience in the Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square, in May 2024, he declared that humility is the “gateway to all virtues”.

His humility led him to live in simplicity. He chose not to live in the opulent Vatican papal apartments, but instead in a more simple Vatican guesthouse. He possessed a very down-to-earth nature. He rode around Rome in a Ford Focus, no fancy car, as opposed to a more expensive, more prestigious car, as he ministered to those who lived in poverty, in prison, and in pain of many kinds. His leadership demonstrated an unexpected style that many assumed had long since been abandoned. 

He reached out to people, regardless of their professed faith, or their lack of faith. 

Human connection was of supreme importance to him. His willingness to listen to - and to learn from - others was a defining value that he lived outwardly and openly. 

Listening itself is an act of deep humility, when it’s done with compassion and intention, without judgment, and with the belief - the core belief - that every person has something of value to convey, is a person worthy of being heard, and is respected simply because they are a human being. 

You don’t need to be a Catholic, or a Christian, or even a person who holds any faith, to appreciate the universal gift of humility that Pope Francis gave so generously to the world, equally to those in mighty and powerful positions and to those living in the lowliest and often most marginalized of human circumstances. 

His life was testament to goodness and grace and generosity of spirit, connection, and sacrificial living and giving. The world has lost a great person who inspired us to be the best people we can be. 

His legacy, so needed, so dignifying - may it endure forever around the world and into the ages where he has gone to his well-deserved rest.