Pope Francis' Amoris Laetitia exhortation made news around the world. He didn't give divorced Catholics permission to take communion, but he went as far as he could towards unlocking the door for it to happen at some point in the future. Neither did he relax Church teaching on gay marriage, but he urged a change in tone in how the Church treats gay people. And in everything he said, he made it clear that the Church's business was with people who were living messy, sinful and pain-filled lives – and that its business was not to condemn, but to love.
It's pronouncements like these that have made him one of the most popular public figures in the world. So what is it that people say they like about Pope Francis?
The YouGov polling organisation has tracked what people say about him. According to their data, he's particularly liked by young people and by women. In terms of political preferences, it's slightly more likely that those who like him are left of centre – but it's only marginal.
Also interesting is how people describe him. YouGov invites its panellists to comment on public figures when they give their opinions on him. Among the minority who dislike him, he's seen as outdated, stuck in the past and misguided. But those who like him say he:
– Is in touch with ordinary people
– Is humble
– Stands up for ordinary people
– Is genuine
– Is honest
Pope Francis is probably the most influential and respected religious leader in the world. But the qualities people admire about him aren't those we typically think of as belonging to 'leaders' – decisiveness, aggression, charisma or persuasiveness. It seems he attracts people's respect simply by the quality of his character, which has been formed by a lifetime of discipleship.
At a time when political leaders around the world are less trusted than ever before and church leaders sometimes seem to model themselves on successful business men and women rather than pastoring their flocks, Pope Francis offers a different kind of leadership. Many people in responsible positions can learn from him.
