[The Editors' Verdict] The Leadership Virtues Demonstrated by the Pope

On September 8, 2022, when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom passed away, the reporter who was in London at the time witnessed many people weeping and sobbing in the subway. Now, on April 21, 2025, the world is once again engulfed in sorrow following the death of Pope Francis. If mourning had degrees of purity, this would be grief of 100% purity, untouched by any impurities. It is a moment that makes one realize anew, "He was truly a leader so deeply respected."

Pope Francis, whom not only Catholics but also people of other faiths wished to meet at least once, has passed away. Since 2013, Pope Francis led 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide for 12 years and is recognized as a religious leader who shunned material desires and authority, living a life of humility and simplicity.

Until the very end, the Pope urged warring parties to agree to ceasefires and called for the release of hostages, appealing for help for those yearning for a peaceful future. Although he stood at the highest position, he lowered himself to listen to the voices of the poor and marginalized. He broke with religious traditions that had been conservative toward sexual minorities, officially approving Catholic priests’ blessings for same-sex couples and embracing sexual minorities. For these reasons, he is regarded as the most progressive pope in history. The message he delivered to us, who live in a world divided by conflict and dispute, is clear.

The inclusiveness and generosity demonstrated by the Pope are virtues most needed by today’s leaders, who, depending on the power of their nations or their political leanings from far right to far left, often exclude and clash with one another.

Today’s world is filled with leaders who focus on strengthening themselves rather than embracing the vulnerable and moving forward together.

Donald Trump, who champions "MAGA (Make America Great Again)" and prioritizes only the interests of the world’s most powerful nation, the United States, is a prime example. He has enforced strict exclusionary policies against immigrants seeking opportunity and hope to escape poverty and disease, and he strategizes how war-torn regions where civilians are being sacrificed might benefit the United States. He uses high tariffs as a weapon to force other countries into line and make them bow to America. He does not listen to dissenting voices. Those who oppose him are simply "out."

There are also several leaders in Korea who do not listen to diverse voices in their pursuit of monopoly. Most recently, former President Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached after recklessly wielding the sword of martial law, which could have expelled unwanted forces all at once. This was the result of an attitude that "only I am right," failing to heed various opinions.

It is difficult to be certain whether the next administration will be able to practice politics of inclusion and tolerance. Lee Jae-myung, the leading candidate in the Democratic Party of Korea’s presidential primary according to public opinion polls, is the undisputed figure within the party. He not only secured first place with a high approval rating of 88.15% in the Chungcheong region primary, but also exceeded a 90% vote share in the Democratic Party’s regional primary in Yeongnam. Concerns from opposition parties that, if Lee, who has turned the Democratic Party into a one-man dictatorship, were to take control of the executive branch following the legislature, the country could become a one-man dictatorship, are at least somewhat understandable.

Integration is possible not when minorities are excluded and dissenting voices are ignored, but when there is inclusion and attentive listening. In Korea, where integration has become desperately needed amid conflict and division, a leader like Pope Francis is needed.