Pope Francis, who is well-known for leading the Catholic Church in a direct and caring manner, has offered numerous perspectives on social justice and ethics. One of his well-known quotes discusses the notion that people in positions of power have a big obligation to other people.

Consider a gardener caring for a verdant garden. This gardener is well-aware of when pruning is necessary, how much water each plant requires, and which plants grow best together. This information gives you a lot of control over the life and health of each plant in that garden. In a similar vein, Pope Francis advises those in positions of authority to foster and uplift others rather than harm or repress them.

This concept, which emphasizes respect for human dignity and the common good, has its roots in Catholic social teaching. It motivates those in positions of power to create conditions that allow everyone to thrive in addition to defending individual rights. Pope Francis frequently discusses solidarity, emphasizing that we are all interdependent and accountable for each other's welfare.

By advancing this idea, he encourages leaders in a variety of domains—religious, political, and business—to consider their role and the influence they have on others. He exhorts them to think about how their choices impact other people's lives and implies that real leadership entails defending human rights and dignity as opposed to abusing authority for selfish ends.

Pope Francis's speech is essentially a call to action for leaders everywhere: make ethical and prudent use of your influence so that it serves everyone rather than harming them.