The Power of Mercy: 10 Lessons Business People Could Learn from Pope Francis’ Funeral

The old city of Rome doesn’t scare easily. It’s seen emperors rise and fall, revolutions rage through its streets, popes crowned and deposed. But on the morning of April 27, 2025, as the bells of St. Peter’s thundered over the rooftops, even the eternal city seemed to hold its breath.

Pope Francis left the world and for one day, the world came together to honour his legacy. Four hundred thousand mourners pressed into the streets around Vatican City. Flags from every corner of the planet snapped in the breeze. Inside St. Peter’s Basilica, the most unlikely of meetings was happening: Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky, Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron — power brokers from fractured nations — gathered under Michelangelo’s vast dome, speaking not as enemies, but as men brought to heel by something bigger than politics: mortality.

The Ukrainians later released a photo — a snapshot already burning its way into the history books. Zelensky , in the center, said the quiet part out loud: “It was a very symbolic meeting that has the potential to become historic if we achieve joint results. Thank you, President Donald Trump!”

No one missed the weight of those words. Pope Francis, even in death, was still doing what he had spent a lifetime doing: build bridges in a world that is obsessed with walls.

Pope Francis- A Man Who Refused to Play the Game

When Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re took the pulpit, his voice echoed through the Basilica’s ancient bones. “He touched minds and hearts,” He said. “He built bridges, not walls.”

Pope Francis had always been a strange pope for a strange era, a son of immigrants, a man who rode buses and washed the feet of prisoners, a spiritual leader who spoke about climate change and capitalism with the same bluntness he’d once used in Buenos Aires’ back alleys. He wore his scars openly. He spoke of doubt, of struggle. He didn’t court perfection — he courted honesty.

He didn’t fit the mold of the powerful. He shattered it.

In a world obsessed with strength, Francis preached the power of mercy. In a time of division, he insisted on dialogue. He called out nationalism, greed and apathy at a time when those sins had become fashionable. It cost him enemies inside the Church and out. But it also gave him something rarer: genuine authority.

A Funeral That Could Change the World’s Map

The street-level truth is that funerals change nothing. But every once in a while, they change everything. There’s a raw energy now radiating from Rome, a frequency that wasn’t there before. The alliances hinted at inside St. Peter’s aren’t just ceremonial. Some diplomats are already talking, quietly, about ceasefires, economic pacts, unexpected collaborations. Nothing is set in stone. But something shifted.

Maybe it was grief. Maybe it was guilt. Maybe it was just the right man, leaving at the right time. And maybe that was always Francis’ greatest gamble paying off: the belief that underneath all the noise and cynicism, men could still choose to do the right thing, even if it cost them something.

The Man Is Gone. The Mission Isn’t.

Tonight, in Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, under the cool weight of marble and candlelight, Pope Francis lies buried. Not in the traditional tombs beneath St. Peter’s, but in the basilica he loved — a place close to the people, close to the streets. Above him, the world he left behind roils and groans, uncertain which road it will take.

But for the men who stood there that day, for the millions who watched from around the globe, there is no escaping the simple, stubborn message Francis left behind, a  message that will be echoing our decision making process: 

• Build the bridge.
• Tear down the wall.
• Be brave enough to choose the harder path.

Everything else, the legacy, the history books, the fate of empires, will sort itself out.

10 Lessons on Mercy Business People Could Learn From Pope Francis’ Legacy

Pope Francis’s funeral, with its profound global impact and the gathering of leaders from diverse backgrounds, provides several key lessons for business people. Here are some takeaways that could resonate deeply in the business world:

• Leadership is About Empathy, Not Ego– Pope Francis was known for his humble leadership, focusing on the needs of others rather than his own power or status. His funeral brought together leaders from opposing sides, demonstrating that effective leadership is about understanding the needs of people and building relationships rather than asserting dominance.
• Building Bridges, Not Walls– Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re’s eulogy for the Pope emphasized his efforts to “build bridges, not walls.” Business leaders can learn to foster open dialogue, embrace diversity and look for solutions that unite rather than divide.
• Leading with Integrity in a Divided World– Pope Francis’s leadership was rooted in core values such as compassion, justice, and inclusivity. His funeral, where leaders from various ideologies gathered, serves as a reminder that business leaders should remain steadfast in their values, even in challenging times.
• The Power of Humility in Leadership– Despite his position as the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis never shied away from showing humility. His decision to live modestly and approach people from all walks of life with respect was a reflection of his leadership style.
• Building A Legacy of Love Over Power– The global outpouring of respect for Pope Francis after his death showed that true leadership leaves a lasting legacy, not a trail of power and control.
• Finding Common Ground in Adversity– The unexpected meetings at the funeral between figures like Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron highlighted the potential for diplomacy and cooperation, even among adversaries.
• One World-Mindset Shift– Pope Francis always emphasized the importance of community, reminding the world that we are all interconnected. This philosophy can inspire business leaders to shift from a mindset of individualism to one that values collective success. Embracing teamwork, encouraging collaboration, and fostering a sense of belonging within a company can drive better performance, boost morale, and cultivate loyalty among employees and clients alike.
• The Role of Public Perception and Integrity– The global attention at Pope Francis’s funeral reminded business leaders that public perception and integrity play a crucial role in their success. How a leader is remembered — based on their actions, words, and legacy — has far-reaching consequences. Maintaining transparency, honesty, and accountability in business dealings builds credibility and ensures that the company is respected, even in times of adversity.
• The Power of Hope and Vision– Pope Francis’s leadership style embodied a message of hope for the future, even in the darkest times.
• The Impact of Global Connections– Pope Francis’s ability to connect with people across cultures and religions speaks to the importance of understanding and engaging in a global context.

Pope Francis’s legacy teaches business leaders the importance of maintaining a positive, forward-thinking vision, especially in times of uncertainty. Hope is a powerful motivator; business leaders who inspire their teams with a compelling vision can rally support, drive innovation and keep moving toward progress.These lessons from Pope Francis’s life and funeral serve as a call for business leaders to lead with integrity, compassion, and foresight, creating a positive impact that extends far beyond their immediate sphere of influence.

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