A global symbol of service

The Catholic Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, was a global symbol of compassionate conservatism, bridging divides with his message of humility and service. Since beginning his papacy in 2013, he resonated with millions worldwide, transcending religious and ideological boundaries. His legacy as a beacon of compassion and social justice continues to inspire.

Impact highlighted by Glocalities survey

An analysis that we conducted on 22 April 2025, using data from the 2022 Glocalities survey that we held among 61,084 people  across 29 countries, highlights Pope Francis's profound impact. 11% of the survey respondents selected Pope Francis as an appealing personality from a large list, which enabled us to take a deeper at the values profiles, attitudes and concerns of these people. His appeal is notably strong among the values segments of Conservatives and Achievers, yet he also connected with progressive minds, embodying values like spirituality, inclusivity, ethics and community involvement. These survey findings underscore his unique ability to build bridges in times of increasing polarization and division. In the following paragraphs we will share the key highlights of the analysis. 

Concrete expressions of deeply held values

Pope Francis actions reflected his deep commitment to social improvement and human dignity. By advocating for environmental responsibility in his encyclical "Laudato Si" about protecting our common home planet Earth he addressed climate change and social justice, resonating with (and representing) people globally who prioritize these issues. His profound humility was evident in his choice to live in the Vatican guest house rather than a luxurious papal apartment, opting for simple clothing and taking the bus instead of a limousine. These lifestyle choices rejected opulence and connected him deeply with ordinary people. His acts of washing and kissing the feet of marginalized people further demonstrated his compassion and urged the world to recognize, respect and protect the dignity of every human being.

Embodiment of universal archetypes

Pope Francis's lifestyle choices and representation of universal archetypes - resonating with the Everyman, Innocent, Sage, and Caregiver according to the survey results - illustrated his dedication to serving others and advocating for the vulnerable. Also a content analysis of the text of his encyclical "Laudato Si" which focuses on protecting our common home planet Earth, reveals the strong presence of the Caregiver, Sage, and Everyman archetypes in his work and vision. Pope Francis consistently embodied these qualities through his commitment to compassion, environmental stewardship, wisdom in addressing global issues, and deep connections with ordinary people. 

His fan base shares the same concerns about climate change, poverty, and human rights, trusting in collaboration and compassion to address global challenges. The survey data reveal that his admirers value ethics, tolerance, sharing and community involvement while scoring lower on hedonism, materialism and competition, aligning with Pope Francis’ focus on equality and togetherness. Pope Francis unique blend of values resonates powerfully still, offering timely guidance and inspiration to an increasingly divided world in crisis. 

Leaving a void on the world stage

The survey data reveal that Pope Francis uniquely blended traditional values with social concerns that are often considered progressive, offering a model of bridge building and practice oriented leadership characterized by humility and compassion. His passing leaves a void on the world stage, where compassionate conservatism is increasingly rare. However, at the same time the Glocalities data reveal that the blend of values that Pope Francis represented during his life remains active and widely embraced by people from around the world, being Christians, people from other religions and non-religious people (also see the analysis we conducted for the Friendship Across Religions initiative to which he world’s faith leaders including Pope Francis contributed in 2017).  

In his spiritual testament, Pope Francis expressed the wish to be buried in a simple wooden coffin in the ground and without decoration at the church Santa Maria Maggiore in the heart of Rome where he used to stop to pray, rather than the grand Saint Peter's Basilica. This choice highlights his pastoral focus and devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus, who embodies the Christian Caregiver archetype. He stated, "I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary …. confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care." 

Pope Francis legacy continues to influence global discourse on compassion and justice, embodying hope, faith, and service to humanity, while challenging leaders of all kinds to reflect on living these ideals in times of polarization, crisis and rapid international change.