By James C. Robinson

Who says religion and politics are two ends of the river that never meet. Even though he may not have shown any indication to become a politician, Pope Francis – who likes being called Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of peace —could have been the world’s best politician. Already he is one of the most popular religious leaders in the world,

His Holiness Pope Francis

An unconventional religious leader Pope Francis once described politics as a “lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity” for the common good of the society. He makes it a point to remind Catholics to engage in politics to cleanse the system and build a just society. “We need to participate (in politics) for the common good,” he said.

Addressing one of his morning meditation sessions on September last, he said, “Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern.”

Urging his followers to participate in politics, Pope Francis referred to politics as the most important of all civic duties. He reminded his followers that voter’s role and responsibilities do not get over the moment they enter the polling booth and that they should engage more actively in the political process.

But this is where he draws the line. Instead of directly telling his followers whom to vote, he directs his followers to think critically, evaluate their decision based on their conscience and values before casting their votes. The Pope refuses to walk into a narrow political calculus and justifies it as, “ A good teacher does not get lost in the details, but points to what is essential.”

Pope Francis does not approve of today’s political campaigns. According to him, these are managed both online and offline by data analysts, media strategists and advertising agencies who come up with taglines and slogans. All this is possible only because of millions of dollars received as contribution from rich companies and individuals. His idea of a political campaign is that of much a quieter, more thought provoking campaign on the stake involved in politics. “Money must serve, not rule!” he says.

His message to his followers is to look beyond these things and strive to create a world without suffering. A more humane, just, and merciful world where there is no economic inequality, debt, deaths due to inadequate health care and atrocities. “Be builders of the world, to work for a better world,” he says.

In Pope Francis’s view Governments should prevent people from harming each other but otherwise leave them alone. People should be free to act, and Popes to advise them on how to exercise their freedoms rather than advising politicians to curtail those freedoms.

Like everything else his views on technology too are unconventional – “build a network not of wires but people,” he suggests.

He is known for his concern for the poor and efforts to build bridges between people of all backgrounds, beliefs and faiths. His fan following extends far beyond the 1.2 billion Catholic Christians but also millions of millions of people who do not believe in religious.

He decries all violence, pleading, “Never war! Never war! … Stop it, please! I beg you with all my heart! … Let’s remember that everything is lost with war and nothing is lost with peace.”