The newly-elected pontiff demonstrated an understated, humbler papal presence, which might serve as an interesting leadership lesson from the Pope perhaps resonating even beyond the religious world. Pope Francis will wear an iron crucifix rather than a gold one. The crucifix contains the image of Jesus as the “good shepherd” carrying a sheep over his shoulders and the flock following behind him. He also insisted on wearing a silver Ring of the Fisherman, rather than the traditional solid-gold ring made of 35 grams of pure gold. The release read as follows:
VATICAN CITY — “Pope Francis has eschewed tradition and chosen a silver Fisherman’s Ring rather than a gold one—and one designed decades ago rather than created specifically for him, the Vatican said.”
The Vatican also unveiled both the coat of arms and the motto Pope Francis will use, which remain the same as the ones he used serving as archbishop of Buenos Aires. The Latin motto beneath the crest reads “miserando atque eligendo”—which refers to a Biblical passage illustrating Jesus Christ’s “mercy” in choosing Matthew (who was a tax collector) as one of his disciples.
Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.
