Pope Francis's genuine approach to connecting with people is highlighted by Professor Anna Rowlands, who experienced this firsthand during her time at the Vatican. She reminisced about how their first conversation involved a football joke that made him laugh, showcasing his ability to find common ground. Rowlands emphasized his warmth, charisma, and moral leadership on significant issues like climate change and refugee treatment. His death leaves a notable void in the Church, underscoring the importance of his relatable persona.
He wanted to know what football team I supported, and I said that I was from Manchester, and so I was a genuine, bona fide Mancunian, Manchester United fan by origin, to which he just sort of roared laughing and turned to his aide and said, you see, she must have a sense of humour.'
His natural approach was to find a point of human connection with whoever he was speaking to . . . to tease you slightly and to be good-humoured.
Despite his high office, he had a common touch, and while quietly spoken, he was charismatic, warm, personable.
His popularity within the Church extended beyond, because he was someone who showed moral leadership on issues ranging from the treatment of refugees to the climate.
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