R.

Sean Cooke

Essay 05: Papa Francesco

As students of international relations at Georgetown University, we are routinely challenged by

the questions what is right?, what is just?, and can (s)he do that [legally, ethically, feasibly]? We ask these

questions as we assess how leaders of countries, states, interact with one another. Recently, Pope Francis

addressed the world in a speech about the ongoing refugee crisis. He issued a call to action, for all leaders

of all faiths, to do their part to solve the matter. The Pope’s message has inspired an interesting discussion

and led many people to ask: Should the Pope’s views be considered as mandatory, authoritative guidance

for states? While there are likely many views, with strong points to be made, I feel that the answer is less

complicated than some may be led to believe. No. The Pope’s views cannot be regarded as mandatory,

authoritative guidance. Why? First, the Pope lacks agency. Second, the world lacks universal interests,

and finally there is no agreed upon universal moral code. While the Pope’s may inspire many to act in

accordance with his reasoning, for the three points mentioned, his recommendations cannot be considered

as mandatory. Pope Francis’s authority, his agency, only exists within the Catholic demographic. The

implication is that state leaders may wish to utilize a form of Pope Francis' approach, but in doing so they

would be exercising their agency. The Pope should, and will likely, continue to spread his inspiration for

state leaders. As we receive his message, we must realize the limits of his influence, and elect, or become,

leaders that act in the interest of others.

OLD:

Should the Pope’s views be considered as mandatory, authoritative guidance for states? No, his views

should not be regarded as mandatory, authoritative guidance because the Pope lacks agency, the world

lacks universal interests, and a universal moral code. While the Pope’s direction may be favorable to

many, for the reasons mentioned, his recommendations cannot be considered as mandatory, despite the

Pope’s position of authority among the Catholic demographic. The implication is that state leaders may

wish to utilize a form of Pope Francis' approach; in doing so they would be exercising their agency and

using the Pope’s position as council for their actions.