Good Advice: Pope Francis on Leadership - Spring 2015

Sep 29, 2026

Spring 2015 issue of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities presents “15 Leadership Characteristics inspired by Pope Francis” by Debra K. Mooney. Using Pope Francis’s “curial diseases” as a metaphor, it outlines 15 “healthy ways” or “inoculations” for leaders in Catholic universities and other organizations. The guidance covers self-evaluation, work-life balance, empathy, planning flexibility, teamwork, spiritual memory, humility, authenticity, constructive speech, mentorship, sharing knowledge, optimism, and generosity of resources.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryReligion & Spirituality

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

15 Leadership Characteristics inspired by Pope Francis

15 “curial diseases” as leadership guidance

s P ri N g 2015 AssociAtion of cAtholic colleges And Universities 15 Leadership Characteristics inspired by Pope Francis By Debra K. Mooney, assistant to the president for mission and identity and chief mission officer, Xavier University (OH) uring Pope Francis’s greeting to the Roman Curia on dDeforcemberan extr22aor, 2014dinary, heexaarticuminatliateondoaf staconrstinciegnpceoifnotr the cardinals, bishops, and priests of the central Vatican administration. Offering the human body as a metaphor, he outlined ailments that have infected the life of the Curia. Remarkably, the list of 15 “curial diseases” can serve asa guide for all leaders as they consider their role in various bodies or groups, both small (i.e., teams, clubs, associations) and large (i.e., institutions, corporations). Using the pontiff’swords and imagery, what follows are 15 healthy ways, or“inoculations,” that individuals can undertake to contribute to the fitness and well-being of the Catholic university body. 1. Engage in genuine self-evaluation and continuous development. “The disease of thinking we are ‘immortal,’‘immune,’ or downright ‘indispensable,’ neglecting the need for regular check-ups ... [leads to] a sick body.” 2. Maintain a balanced work-home life, which includes taking time for rest and leisure.“Another disease is … excessive busy-ness. It is found in those who immerse themselves in work and inevitably neglect the better part: sitting at the feet of Jesus (cf. Lk 10:38-42). Jesus called his disciples to ‘rest a while’(cf. Mk 6:31) for a reason, because neglecting needed rest leads to stress and agitation.” 3. Be sensitive to the thoughts, feelings, and attitudes of others. “Then too there is the disease of mental and spiritual ‘petrification.’ It is found in those who have a heart of stone, the ‘stiff-necked’(Acts 7:51-60), in those who in the course of time lose their interior serenity, alertness, and daring, and hide under a pile of papers, turning into paper pushers and not [people] of God (cf. Heb 3:12).” 4. Allow for flexibility and adaptability in planning. “Things need to be prepared well, but without ever falling into the temptation of trying to contain and direct the freedom of the Holy Spirit, which is always greater and more flexible than any human planning (cf. Jn 3:8). We contract this disease because‘it is always more easy and comfortable to settle in our own sedentary and unchanging ways…’” 5. Coordinate with others—be a team player. Once“members lose communion among themselves, the body loses its harmonious functioning and its equilibrium; it then becomes an orchestra which produces noise: its members do not work together and lose the spirit of fellowship and teamwork.” 6. Be open to possibilities, inspiration, and the Holy spirit.“There is also a ‘spiritual Alzheimer’s disease.’ … We see it in those who have lost the memory of their encounter with the Lord; in those who are completely caught up in the present moment, in their passions, whims, and obsessions; in those who build walls and routines around themselves, and thus become more and more the slaves of idols carved by their own hands.” 7. Be collegial and humble. “When appearances, the colour of our clothes and our titles of honour, become the primary object in life, we forget the words of Saint Paul: ‘Do nothing from selfishness or conceit but in humility count others better than yourselves.’ … This is a disease which leads us to be men and woman of deceit.” The pontiff’s list of 15 “curial diseases” can serve as a guide for all leaders as they consider their role in various groups. 8. Be authentically companionable.“This is the disease of those who live a double life, the fruit of that hypocrisy typical of the mediocre, and of a progressive spiritual emptiness which no doctorates or academic titles can fill. It is a disease which often strikes those who abandon pastoral [customer, student] service and restrict themselves to bureaucratic

FAQs

What is the core metaphor used in the leadership guidance?

The document uses Pope Francis’s description of “curial diseases” as a metaphor for ailments that can afflict leaders and organizations, and it turns them into 15 “healthy ways” or “inoculations.”

How does the document recommend leaders improve self-management?

It urges leaders to engage in genuine self-evaluation and continuous development, and to avoid the mindset that they are “immortal” or “indispensable” without regular check-ups.

What does the document say about communication and conflict within groups?

It emphasizes speaking directly without falling into gossiping, grumbling, and back-biting, and it promotes teamwork and coordination so members work together harmoniously.

Sep 29, 2026

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