Pope Francis and the Power of Presence: A Moment of Grace in Azerbaijan

In a poignant account, journalist John Jeremiah Sullivan shares his memorable experience of traveling with Pope Francis, showcasing the pontiff's diplomatic grace amidst social hostility while shedding light on the broader implications of his leadership style.

On an official interfaith outreach tour nearly a decade ago, I followed Pope Francis through Azerbaijan, a backdrop fraught with religious tensions. This involved visits to Georgia and Azerbaijan, countries where Catholics represented a mere fraction of the population. In Georgia, much of the populace belonged to the Eastern Orthodox faith, and there were protests against the Pope, with signs labeling him the Antichrist due to his stance on issues like homosexuality.

The atmosphere was tense as the Pope arrived in Tbilisi, and shortly before a scheduled Mass at Baku's only Catholic cathedral, an unusual incident unfolded—one that illustrated the Pope's unwavering composure and innate kindness. Accompanied by Azerbaijan's president, Ilham Aliyev, the Pope walked along a path lined by a military band. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind swept his zucchetta cap from his head, landing it unceremoniously on the ground.

An Azeri trumpeter observed this with an anxious gaze, caught in a dilemma about how to react in the politically charged environment. In a stunning display of courage and care, he stepped forward, picked up the lost cap, and replaced it on the pope's head, an action as simple as a child being helped by a parent.

The Pope, however, remained unphased by this gesture, continuing on his path as if nothing had occurred. Witnessing this exchange, I felt a powerful blend of relief and admiration, symbolizing hope and the power of compassion amid adversity. This moment encapsulated the essence of Pope Francis's leadership, showcasing how humility and kindness can transcend societal dissonance, leaving an enduring impression on all who witnessed it.