On March 19, 2013, I was honored to contribute a column to the Dallas Morning News, offering thoughts and advice to the newly elected Pope Francis. As a long-time member of their faith panel, having written over 250 articles on pluralism, I reflected on what his papacy could mean for the world. The result was a sincere message of hope—then, and even more so now.
Pope Francis: A Global Spiritual Leader
Pope Francis stands as one of the most influential figures in the modern world—rivaled only by world political leaders like the U.S. President. But unlike political figures, his influence transcends national borders and partisan divides. His words and actions possess the power to spark transformation, reduce tensions, and elevate the human spirit across continents.
A Vision for a Better World
I earnestly pray that Pope Francis’s leadership becomes a turning point for humanity—ushering in a new age of compassion, empathy, and cooperation. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus, his vision embraces the entirety of society, beyond any distinction of race, religion, or nationality.
With a massive following of 1.5 billion people, the Pope’s influence isn’t limited to Catholics alone. He has the unique capacity to speak to people of all faiths—and even to those who identify with none—encouraging all of us to build bridges of understanding.
Resolving Religious Conflicts through Dialogue
Among the most pressing issues Pope Francis faces is the tension between major religious communities: Christians and Muslims, Jews and Christians, Hindus and Christians, and beyond. These differences, often steeped in centuries of pain and misunderstanding, continue to burden our societies.
To this, I propose a two-track approach for the Pope:
Track One: Initiating Purposeful Interfaith Dialogues
Pope Francis should initiate direct, meaningful dialogues between religious communities. These conversations must be rooted in mutual respect, aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence. A strong starting point would be healing the Christian-Muslim relationship, followed by engaging other groups.
Track Two: Collaborating on Global Humanitarian Projects
Practical interfaith cooperation can serve as a powerful peacebuilding tool. Communities should come together—regardless of their faith or worldview—to address urgent global issues:
- Poverty alleviation
- Clean water access
- Basic healthcare
- Universal education
Projects like these, when inclusive of diverse religious voices, encourage empathy, reduce prejudices, and plant seeds of inter-religious friendship.
Pope Francis: A Man of Principles and Compassion
What makes Pope Francis so fitting for this mission is his unwavering commitment to simplicity, humility, and social justice. His actions show that he lives by example. He consistently champions issues often shunned by religious leadership:
- Gender equality
- Same-sex relationships
- Inclusion of Atheists under God’s domain
- Birth control
- Inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community
- Ordination of women in religious leadership
These are not mere political stances—they are expressions of deep human empathy and a commitment to God’s Mercy & justice.
Why I, a Muslim, Embrace Pope Francis as a Spiritual Guide
As a Muslim and an ardent pluralist, I find in Pope Francis a spiritual guide who reflects many of the ideals that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stood for—compassion, justice, and inclusion.
To me, Pope Francis is like an Imam—a spiritual leader who transcends boundaries. He offers the world a model of what religious leadership should look like: embracing all of God’s creation with love.
The Universal Message of Respect and Inclusion
One memorable example of Pope Francis’s humility is his interaction with Rivkah, an Orthodox Jew who could not bow to him due to her religious tradition. Instead, the Pope bowed to her. That single act conveyed a message larger than words—human dignity transcends religious customs.
This example epitomizes Pope Francis’s broader philosophy: different people may show respect in different ways, but every path is valid as long as it stems from honor and sincerity.
Religion’s True Purpose: Building Peace and Understanding
Religions, at their core, are meant to eliminate hate and division, not foster them. If a religion fails to do this, then perhaps its followers need to look deeper. Pope Francis’s actions and message speak to this truth.
Even though I am Muslim and he is Christian, I choose to follow him—not in religion, but in spiritual alignment. He is leading the way toward a world where faith unites rather than divides.
A Missed Opportunity, A Lasting Legacy
I had long considered meeting him and sharing a proposal for religious reconciliation. Regrettably, that meeting hasn’t happened—yet. But the dream lives on, fueled by his continued example.
Long live your legacy, Pope Francis. You are a blessed peacemaker, and the world is better because of you.
Explore More Articles About Pope Francis
📚 I’ve written several articles about Pope Francis that explore his teachings, actions, and interfaith leadership. You can find them all here:
👉 All My Articles on Pope Francis
About the Author
Dr. Mike Ghouse is the President and Founder of the Center for Pluralism, Director of the World Muslim Congress, and a wedding officiant for InterfaithMarriages.org and MuslimWeddingOfficiant.org. A Muslim, pluralist, author, and speaker, he passionately advocates for religious freedom, social harmony, and inclusive societies.
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main message of this tribute to Pope Francis?
The article honors Pope Francis’s role in promoting global peace, interfaith dialogue, and social justice, emphasizing his inclusive leadership and humility.
2. Why is Pope Francis considered a global peacemaker?
Because of his consistent advocacy for equality, human dignity, and interfaith cooperation, Pope Francis plays a pivotal role in healing religious and cultural divides.
3. How can religious communities contribute to global peace?
By engaging in interfaith dialogue and collaborating on humanitarian efforts like poverty relief, clean water access, and education.
4. Why does the author, a Muslim, support Pope Francis?
Dr. Ghouse sees Pope Francis as embodying universal religious values such as justice, kindness, and respect for all people—aligning with the teachings of Islam.
5. What are some actions Pope Francis has taken to promote inclusion?
He has supported LGBTQ+ rights, women’s ordination, and outreach to non-believers and people of other faiths.
6. Where can I read more about Dr. Ghouse’s views on Pope Francis?
You can explore his collection of writings here: The Ghouse Diary on Pope Francis