Some time ago, CNN posted a picture of Pope Francis holding his own handbag as he walked toward a plane. Someone commented that it was “against protocol” and “unbecoming of a Head of State.” But the real question is: Why would the Pope choose to break protocol in the 21st century?
The answer is simple: because kingship today is about service, not pomp and pageantry. In that gesture, Pope Francis was pointing us toward a new model of leadership, leadership grounded in humility, simplicity, and a willingness to serve.
This is the very spirit Jesus demonstrated when He stood before Pontius Pilate and declared, “My kingdom does not belong to this world.” (John 18:36). Jesus wanted Pilate to understand that His kingship was nothing like the worldly leadership built on power, fear, or intimidation.
Jesus would eventually pay the highest price for this servant leadership, shedding His blood on the cross and being betrayed by His own closest companions. The kingship of God is different from every other kind of kingship because it is built on sacrifice. Christians are called to lead, yes, but such leadership comes at a cost, for nothing truly good comes cheaply.
Today’s world is in desperate need of leaders after the heart of Jesus Christ, the Universal King. Leaders who may arise from humble conditions but who do not lead from fear. Leaders who are not surrounded by sycophants ready to destroy others on their behalf. Leaders who do not threaten opponents or force their enemies to “lick their dust.” The world needs servant leaders.
When the tribes of Israel gathered at Hebron and asked David to be their king, they were not looking for an angel to rule over them. They wanted someone who was “their flesh and bone,” someone who understood their struggles. They had grown weary of leaders who were selfish, materialistic, and blind to the hopes of the people. After years of enduring one despotic ruler after another (2 Samuel 5:1–3), God finally sent them a leader—yet even then, many doubted him because he did not fit their expectations.
The truth remains: authentic servant leadership comes at a great price, and only those who genuinely believe can recognize and embrace it. Such leadership already exists among us, but only those with perceptive eyes can see it. In the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta:
“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.”
Servant leadership begins not with a title, but with a heart willing to serve.