A unique form of communication has marked Pope Francis’ papacy, often called the “magisterium of gestures.” While traditional papal authority has been exercised primarily through speeches, encyclicals, and doctrinal texts, the pope has rebalanced how he teaches, shifting the focus toward gestures that are rich with theological and sacramental meaning. These gestures embody the gospel in a way that words alone cannot convey, offering a powerful, visual expression of his vision for the Church and the world.
From the outset of his pontificate, the pope’s demystification of the papacy reflects his desire to embody the values of the gospel in a more accessible and authentic way. He positions himself as a servant of the people, emphasising the pastoral role of the Church.
Pope Francis’ gestures often reference the peripheries—geographical, social, and spiritual. His focus on the marginalised is not just a matter of rhetoric but a lived reality. His frequent visits to impoverished areas, his embrace of migrants and refugees, and his willingness to engage with those outside the Church, including other faith traditions, all are visible signs of the inclusivity and universality of God’s love. These actions resonate deeply with his call in Evangelii Gaudium [Joy of the Gospel] for the Church to be a “field hospital” for the wounded, rather than a distant institution concerned with power or prestige.
A striking example of this magisterium of gestures was the pope’s decision to wash the feet of two women, one of whom was a Muslim, during the Holy Thursday liturgy. This gesture, which broke with traditional liturgical norms, was a powerful symbol of humility and inclusion, showing that no one is outside the reach of God’s love and mercy. Similarly, his visit to the spiritual leader of the world’s Shiites, Ayatollah Al-Sistani, in Iraq was a profound gesture of interfaith dialogue and reconciliation, reflecting the pope’s commitment to peace in a world marked by division.
Pope Francis’ magisterium of gestures is also a response to contemporary developments within the Church and the wider world. In an era marked by environmental crises, social injustice, and increasing polarisation, his actions offer a model of how the Church can engage with these challenges. Laudato Si’, for example, calls for urgent action on climate change, but it is his personal commitment to living simply and his consistent advocacy for the poor that give his words their full weight.
The pope’s emphasis on synodality—shared decision-making and collaboration within the Church—is a gesture of openness that demonstrates a willingness to engage in dialogue and discernment. While some conservative factions have expressed concern that this approach undermines hierarchical authority, Pope Francis has been clear that synodality is meant to complement, not replace, the Petrine primacy. It is a gesture of humility, acknowledging that the Holy Spirit works through all the baptised, not just through the hierarchy.
Pope Francis’ magisterium of gestures challenges us to rethink how we live out our faith. His actions invite us to see the Church not as a fortress but as a living body, open to the world and responsive to its needs. By stripping away the excesses of the past and focusing on the essential message of the gospel, Pope Francis reminds us that faith is not just something we speak but something we live. His gestures, rooted in humility, solidarity, and love, are a prophetic witness to a world in desperate need of healing and hope. – jose, CMF
