Let’s follow our Pope’s example on simple living

Pope Francis received an astounding welcome from South Korea, his first visit to the Asian region since assuming the papacy over a year ago. This visit to South Korea comes after 25 years and to a country that is not even predominantly Christian. However, one would not even think that when seeing the photos of the amazing crowds that gathered to see his Holiness while he was there.

While police declined to give the actual number of faithful present, it is estimated that well over 1 million came out to see the Pope as he beatified over 100 early Korean martyrs in a mass held at the hot and humid Gwanghwamun Plaza. It is significant that so many people were present that day, seeing Christians in South Korea only make up roughly 10% of the country’s 50 million population.

It has not been hard to see that Pope Francis has truly made such an impact on the world. Not just on the Christians but on everyone who has been inspired by his warmth and kindness. He reminds everyone not only to live a good life but also to be kind and loving to those around them. Plus he is not scared to challenge the norm and reach out to the new generation; giving them the type of guidance they need in our modern world (he even manages an active Twitter account, @Pontifex, with millions of followers.)

I truly believe he is the breath of fresh air the church has truly needed. With so many people feeling alienated and separated from the church over the past years, Pope Francis has set aside judgment for compassion and has drawn so many back to the fold making them feel safe instead of ostracized. It’s truly been wonderful to see him reaching out to people who have missed the healing touch of the church.

And what’s more, I am constantly surprised, by how a man in such a position of power and influence, is such a simple man and chooses only the simple things in life. That has actually been the most significant and most heartwarming trait of his papacy. While in the past we may have been used to seeing Popes as an strong and glittering influential leader sitting on a seat of power with the riches of the Catholic Church around them, with Pope Francis, we are being shown a new type of leader, one that follows in the simple footsteps of Christ himself. It’s very inspiring indeed.

We all saw his humble nature emerge as early as when he rose to the papacy a few years ago. Instead of sitting on the throne after the election he chose to stand on the same level as the cardinals. That very day on the elections he chose to ride in a minivan with all the other cardinals instead of taking a special sedan, and even now he chooses not to live in the mansion but in a more modest apartment cooking and preparing his own meals whenever time allows. He even chose a more modest car for himself while in the Vatican. His name alone says it all — he chose the name Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, who was also known for his charity and kindness.

In fact, the Pope’s affinity for the more simple things in life was very evident even during his South Korea trip. He chose to ride in a simple and efficient Kia Soul while those with him surrounded his modest car of choice in their big black sedans. His frugal vehicle made quite a splash in South Korea, a country that is often known for its extravagance. What a sight indeed he must have made choosing instead something so modest.

In fact, what a great example Pope Francis sets for leaders all over the world, not just within the Catholic Church. Imagine if our leaders in the Philippines followed suit? It would be an amazing sight to see if those we put in power would lead simple lives as well choosing to focus instead on serving the people and not on living ostentatious and extravagant lifestyles. The cars alone would be a big change. Instead of big grand motorcades of expensive black tinted SUVs, how wonderful would it be to see our officials riding in more modest vehicles? Or even better, how inspiring would it be to see them taking public transportation?

In fact, on the heels of yet another MRT disaster more and more Filipinos are downright asking their officials to take public transportation at least one day a month. There is a petition on the site Change.org challenging the Senators to commute at least one day a month to work. In doing this, they may have a better understanding of the plight of the regular citizens who have to rely on unreliable and sometimes unsafe modes of transportation to get to and from work every day.

And when the petition says commute, it means commute – in every aspect. It does not mean Senators cutting in line with a special entourage and having a special car on the MRT closed off. But rather, standing in line for hours like regular citizens do, braving the stampedes on the platforms, rushing to get into a car, and riding the train like a tightly packed can of sardines as it makes its way down the track. Or, it could also mean waiting for a jeepney and braving the ride in what some people have been calling “killer vehicles” referring to many jeepneys with unreliable shocks, breaks, and steering.

Indeed, there is no end to the woes of Filipinos who rely on public transportation and there have been more and more cries for the government to find ways to fix the problems. Regular care and maintenance of the trains is a good place to start as well as stricter rules and laws on public transportation vehicles like buses, jeepneys, and taxis. We have to realize that there are lives at stake when it comes to shoddy public transportation. How many train incidents, bus accidents, and more do we have to see before we truly take the first step towards a permanent solution. A quick fix just won’t cut it anymore.

I, for one, am all for the petition calling on our elected officials to take public transportation at least once a month. It’s hardly asking for too much and as mentioned, it will give them a better understanding of their constituents and what we really need. Imagine how much healthier, happier, and more productive our population would be if we could all rely on our trains, buses, jeepneys, and cabs? We could then focus our attention better on work and less on wasting several hours a day figuring out how to get to work.

So the question remains, will our leaders rise to the challenge? I don’t see why they should not. Look at leaders like Pope Francis who choose simple and inspiring lives or look at the examples of leaders around the world who commute like the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the President of France, and the Transport Minister of Thailand to name a few. If our senators and other elected officials can take this step it would certainly bring them closer to the people.