Cardinals Without Roles: How Pope Francis Is Changing Leadership in the Church

When you picture a cardinal in the Catholic Church, what comes to mind? Maybe someone overseeing a large diocese, managing a major Vatican office, or playing a key role in electing the next pope. And, of course, there’s the iconic red hat—symbolizing a cardinal’s willingness to defend the faith, even at great personal cost.

For centuries, this image of authority and influence has defined what it means to be a cardinal. But under Pope Francis, that traditional understanding is shifting in some surprising ways. His approach to leadership is breaking new ground, emphasizing service and spirituality over titles and bureaucracy.

Redefining the Role of Cardinals

Take this for example: in recent years, a number of prominent cardinals—like Cardinal Gerhard Müller, Cardinal Raymond Burke, and Cardinal Philippe Barbarin—have found themselves without formal assignments. Historically, a cardinal’s authority has been tied to a specific office or role in the Church, so this might seem unusual.

But Pope Francis appears to see things differently. Even without formal titles or assignments, these cardinals continue to minister in powerful ways—preaching, celebrating Mass, and connecting with the faithful. The message is clear: leadership in the Church isn’t just about holding a prestigious office. It’s about how you serve.

This is a hallmark of Francis’ leadership style—he’s less concerned with hierarchy and titles and more focused on how leaders contribute to the spiritual and pastoral mission of the Church.

A Global Perspective

Another striking aspect of Pope Francis’ approach is how he’s reshaped the College of Cardinals itself. Historically, the majority of cardinals came from Europe, even though much of the Church’s growth is happening in places like Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

Francis has been intentional about changing that. He’s appointed cardinals from regions that have historically been overlooked, ensuring that the leadership of the Church better reflects its global reality. This shift matters. By giving a voice to leaders from diverse cultures and communities, the Church becomes better equipped to address the challenges and needs of Catholics worldwide.

And it’s not just about geography—it’s about the issues these leaders care about. Many of Francis’ appointees are deeply engaged in tackling social justice, poverty, environmental concerns, and the struggles of marginalized communities.

Thinking Outside the Box

Then there’s what some people call Francis’ “asymmetric appointments.” Instead of always choosing cardinals from large dioceses or traditional pathways, he’s appointed individuals with unique perspectives or specific areas of expertise.

Sometimes, he’s even created new roles to reflect his priorities—like addressing migration, economic inequality, or climate change. It’s a bold move, but it’s one that ensures the Church’s leadership is dynamic and ready to respond to the pressing issues of our time.

This approach doesn’t just expand opportunities for leadership; it also breaks down barriers that might have excluded voices from smaller communities or less traditional backgrounds.

What This Means for the Church

So, why does all of this matter?

First, it reflects a new understanding of leadership—one that values service and humility over prestige and power. By shifting the focus away from formal titles, Pope Francis is reminding us that true leadership is about building relationships, walking with people, and addressing their spiritual and physical needs.

Second, it’s a reminder of the Church’s global mission. With over a billion Catholics around the world, the Church’s leadership needs to reflect its diversity and understand the unique challenges faced by communities on every continent.

Finally, it shows that the Church can evolve while staying rooted in its mission. Francis’ approach balances tradition with innovation, ensuring that the Church remains relevant and engaged with the world’s most pressing issues.

A New Vision for Leadership

Pope Francis’ leadership style isn’t just about changing who gets to wear a red hat—it’s about reimagining what leadership in the Church looks like. He’s showing us that leadership isn’t confined to offices or titles; it’s about how we serve, how we listen, and how we respond to the needs of others.

This approach may challenge long-standing traditions, but it’s a powerful reminder of what the Church is truly about: accompanying people on their journey toward God and living out the Gospel in a way that’s compassionate, inclusive, and rooted in service.

As the Church continues to navigate a complex and changing world, Pope Francis’ vision offers a fresh, inspiring model of leadership—one that’s as grounded in faith as it is open to the future.