MILANI-FAUCI ARTICLE
COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP: Dr. Anthony Fauci and Don Lorenzo Milani’s Stand for the Common Good
By Marco Tavanti, Elizabeth Wilp and Julie Tavanti
** Reflections inspired by the Centennial Celebrations of Don Milani (1923–2023)
First published on June 18, 2024 on the publication of Dr. Anthony Fauci’s memoir: On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service.
Dr. Anthony Fauci is an American immunologist and physician recognized as one of the world’s foremost experts on infectious diseases. He served as the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) from 1984 to 2022. He has been a pivotal figure in shaping U.S. responses to numerous public health crises, including the HIV/AIDS epidemic, SARS, Ebola, and most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Fauci’s leadership extended across seven U.S. presidencies, where he provided critical guidance rooted in scientific rigor and a deep commitment to public health.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Fauci became a prominent public figure, known for his clear and data-driven communication amidst a climate of widespread uncertainty. His dedication to science and public health often put him at odds with political figures, particularly during the Trump administration, where his adherence to evidence-based practices sometimes clashed with their political rhetoric. Despite facing significant public scrutiny and personal threats, Dr. Fauci remained steadfast in his mission, advocating for vaccinations and boosters, masking, and other preventive measures essential to controlling the virus’s spread.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Fauci has been widely honored for his contributions, including receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2008, the highest civilian award in the United States, in recognition of his work on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Educated in the Jesuit tradition, Dr. Fauci embodies the values of service to others, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. His leadership under pressure exemplifies resilience and a steadfast commitment for the common good.
Dr. Fauci’s ethical and data-driven approach to leadership bears striking parallels to the life and work of Don Lorenzo Milani, an Italian priest and educator who also faced significant opposition in his pursuit of social justice and educational reform. Both leaders, grounded in their dedication to the most vulnerable and guided by their principles, demonstrate how integrity, resilience, and compassionate leadership can effectively address and overcome societal challenges. Their experiences highlight the profound impact of Catholic social teaching and Jesuit values in fostering compassionate and effective leadership in times of crisis.
Part 1: The Jesuit Values of Dr. Anthony Fauci
Dr. Anthony Fauci, renowned for his steadfast leadership during the HIV/AIDS crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, is a figure whose life and career have been deeply influenced by Jesuit values. Born to a hardworking family, with his father running a pharmacy where young Fauci delivered medicine, he was instilled with a sense of dedication and service from an early age. These foundational experiences were further reinforced during his education at Regis High School and the College of the Holy Cross, institutions rooted in Jesuit principles. Dr. Fauci’s exemplary public servant leadership reflects the core values of this Jesuit education, which, beyond his family, helped him acquire a sense of purpose — becoming a “Man for Others” — a sense of belonging, nurtured through “cura personalis” or care for the individual person, and a sense of public service, dedicating one’s life Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam, or AMDG, for the greater glory of God. This integration of values during his educational journey has had a profound and lasting impact on his life and work (Forbes).
- Purpose to Serve: People for Others: The Jesuit ideal of being “people for others” has profoundly influenced Dr. Anthony Fauci’s career. Georgetown University President John J. DeGioia aptly described Dr. Fauci as “a dedicated public servant” who has consistently embodied the Jesuit value of service to others. Although the formal articulation of “men for others” by Fr. Pedro Arrupe came in 1973, the essence of this philosophy was already ingrained in Dr. Fauci’s Jesuit education. This commitment to service is evident throughout his career in medicine and public health, particularly during his tenure at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which began in 1968. Fauci played a pivotal role in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic, even against the advice of his mentors, driven by a profound sense of duty to serve those in desperate need. Reflecting on his work, Dr. Fauci noted, “Loyalty to the Jesuit ideals of caring for and service to others was the consistent driving force for me over those 43 years that I was involved in the AIDS saga.” His leadership in building the HIV/AIDS research program exemplifies how his Jesuit upbringing guided him in making decisions that had a lasting impact for the common good. Upon his nomination as Distinguished University Professor at Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM) and the McCourt School of Public Policy in July 2023, Dr. Fauci expressed how his Jesuit education instilled a deep sense of service: “I am delighted to join the Georgetown family, an institution steeped in clinical and academic excellence with an emphasis on the Jesuit tradition of public service. This is a natural extension of my scientific, clinical and public health career, which was initially grounded from my high school and college days where I was exposed to intellectual rigor, integrity and service-mindedness of Jesuit institutions” (Georgetown).
- Care for the Whole Person: Cura Personalis: A cornerstone of Jesuit education, “Cura Personalis,” or care for the whole person, is clearly reflected in Dr. Anthony Fauci’s approach to public health. This value emphasizes holistic care, addressing both physical and emotional well-being. During the early days of the HIV/AIDS crisis, Dr. Fauci encountered significant resistance from affected communities, particularly in San Francisco. His response went beyond scientific research; he made a concerted effort to understand and address the fears, stigmas, and needs of these communities. This comprehensive approach underscores his commitment to treating patients as a whole person, a principle deeply rooted in his Jesuit education. Dr. Fauci’s dedication to this value extends even to those who oppose him. Despite facing intense hostility, including physical threats, D. Fauci remained unwavering in his mission. He reflected, “I manage it by staying laser-focused on who I am and what my goal and mandate and passion is.” He acknowledged that society is “thirsting for clarity, truth, and honesty in an arena of confusion, mixed messages, and outright untruths,” and he has become a symbol of that integrity. His steadfast focus on his work — whether during the HIV/AIDS crisis, the Ebola outbreak, or the COVID-19 pandemic — has had a massive impact worldwide. As one of his colleagues remarked, “Tony Fauci should win the Nobel Prize. He has had a massive impact worldwide” (Holy Cross Magazine).
- Scientific Humanism: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam: The Jesuit principle of striving for the greater glory of God (Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, or AMDG) has resonated throughout Dr. Fauci’s career. His dedication to truth, integrity, and public service reflects this principle. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Fauci emphasized the importance of perseverance and collaboration, urging people to “be in there together and push together to end it.” His unwavering commitment to intellectual rigor and truth, even in the face of political opposition and public scrutiny, exemplifies his adherence to the Jesuit call to public service and service to others by upholding scientific truth and delivering solutions for the greater good. While Dr. Fauci’s scientific achievements are well-documented, his Jesuit education, which combines hard sciences with the humanities and arts, has been equally pivotal in shaping his leadership style. Jesuit education has long recognized the importance of integrating rigorous scientific training with a deep appreciation for the humanities, fostering leaders who can articulate multiple intelligences through a blend of “hard” and “soft” skills. At the College of the Holy Cross, Dr. Fauci majored in a pre-med program centered on classical studies, which cultivated his appreciation for liberal arts and humanistic values. As Dr. Fauci himself explained, “The liberal arts and the humanities develop you as a person… If you just strictly do science, it develops your intellect and your ability to analyze. It doesn’t necessarily make you much better as a person” (AMDG Podcast).
Part 2: Leadership in the Face of Adversity
“I’ve been the messenger a lot and I’ve gotten shot at, but it’s missed and the missing was during the Trump administration where I had to get up and do something that everybody thought was great, that I liked it. I didn’t like getting up in front of, you know, 100 million people and contradicting the president of the United States. I wasn’t comfortable about that. But I had to do it because if I didn’t do it, I would have been violating my own integrity and I would have been letting down the people in this country who I’m responsible for. I figured I might get fired. I mean, they couldn’t fire me for my job because I’m a public servant, but they could have kicked me out of the White House.” Dr. Anthony Fauci, Holy Cross Interview.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, was a pivotal figure in the U.S. government’s response to multiple health crises, including the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the 2009 Swine Flu pandemic, the Ebola virus outbreak, and most notably, the COVID-19 pandemic, has consistently demonstrated resilience and integrity. During the COVID-19 crisis, Fauci emerged as one of the most trusted and authoritative voices, further solidifying his reputation as a leading global expert on infectious diseases. As the face of the U.S. government’s response to these crises, Dr. Fauci consistently demonstrated resilience and integrity, qualities rooted in his Jesuit education. During the HIV/AIDS epidemic, he faced significant personal attacks and public protests over the government’s handling of the disease. Yet, rather than retreating, Dr. Fauci engaged with activists, inviting them to his office for dialogue. “I did something many of my peers were intimidated to do; I invited some of the activists up to my office to engage them in a conversation,” Fauci said. “And when they were not shouting and when I listened carefully, a lot of what they were saying made sense, and I realized that if I were in their shoes, I would be doing exactly what they were doing — protesting and demonstrating.” This approach reflects his Jesuit training, which emphasizes service and respectful engagement with others.
The lessons from Dr. Fauci’s leadership in the face of adversity can be summarized into five key characteristics, drawing parallels with Don Lorenzo Milani, who faced similar challenges:
- Commitment to service, even with difficult solutions: Dr. Fauci’s leadership is characterized by a deep sense of duty and responsibility towards the community, prioritizing the greater good over personal gain. This core sense of purpose and mission to serve others, especially the most vulnerable, is crucial in dealing with crises and emergencies, allowing leaders to set aside personal ego and focus on what is necessary for the well-being of others. Dr. Fauci expressed this commitment to service, even toward those who opposed him. He stated, “I look upon the country, in many respects, as my patient. And if you’re a really good physician, you are concerned and worry about every element of your patient… And even if the patient is somebody who’s not the most attractive person in the world in the sense of personality, you still got to treat them the way you would treat anybody else. We learned that in medical school.” Similarly, Don Lorenzo Milani’s leadership, marked by his demanding and rigorous educational approach, was driven by a commitment to the well-being of his students, even when it required harsh solutions. He criticized the failing educational system, emphasizing that if schools fail the most difficult students, they are not fulfilling their mission. He noted, “If the most difficult students are lost, the school is no longer a school. It becomes a hospital that treats the healthy and rejects the sick.” This perspective is echoed in the Tuscan proverb “Il medico pietoso fa la piaga puzzolente” [A compassionate doctor makes the wound fester] suggesting that excessive leniency or reluctance to address problems directly can lead to worsening conditions.
- Integrity and adherence to science: In times of crisis, Dr. Fauci’s unwavering commitment to science and data has guided his decisions. He consistently chose the path of integrity, ensuring that his advice and actions were based on the best available evidence, even when it was inconvenient or unpopular. This steadfastness in the face of pressure exemplifies the importance of maintaining ethical standards and trustworthiness in leadership. Dr. Fauci’s unwavering commitment to science, even in the face of significant hostility, underscores his role as a defender of truth — a role reminiscent of historical figures like Giordano Bruno and Galileo Galilei, who also spoke truth to power. Dr. Fauci, like these scientists, chose to follow the path of rigorous science rather than yielding to religious, ideological, political, or economic pressures, exemplifying a leadership that prioritizes public health and the well-being of humanity over convenient interpretations of truth. As Dr. Fauci explained, “Such attacks on me are, quite frankly, attacks on science… People want to fire me or put me in jail for what I’ve done — namely, follow the science.” This commitment to truth and scientific rigor is a trait Dr. Fauci shares with Don Lorenzo Milani, who, despite being a priest rather than a scientist, demonstrated an equally profound dedication to uncovering and presenting the truth. Don Milani’s works, such as “Esperienze Pastorali” and “Lettera a una Professoressa,” are not merely eloquent and persuasive; they are deeply rooted in meticulous sociological research and data-driven analysis. Don Milani’s arguments are fortified by a rigorous examination of the realities he sought to address, incorporating extensive data collection, statistical analysis, and precise documentation. His methodical approach to understanding and challenging the social and educational injustices of his time reflects a level of scholarly rigor that parallels scientific inquiry, underscoring his commitment to truth and his determination to advocate for the marginalized with evidence-based arguments. This blend of pastoral care and analytical precision allowed Don Milani to present compelling cases for reform, much like how Dr. Fauci relies on empirical evidence to guide public health decisions. Both leaders exemplify how integrity and adherence to factual evidence are crucial in their respective fields.
- Courage to challenge authority: Dr. Fauci exhibited extraordinary courage when he challenged President Trump and other political figures whose actions or statements contradicted scientific evidence. Despite the considerable personal and professional risks involved, Dr. Fauci consistently prioritized truth and integrity over political expediency. His willingness to speak truth to power, even in the face of potential backlash, underscores the essential role of courageous leadership in advocating for what is right. This courage to stand firm in the face of authority is mirrored in the life of Don Milani, who also demonstrated fearless leadership when he published “Lettera ai Cappellani Militari.” In this letter, Don Milani boldly confronted the prevailing injustices within the Church and broader society, fully aware of the possible consequences his actions could bring. Don Milani’s decision to speak out was an act of profound civil disobedience, one that he did not take lightly. He understood that challenging the status quo could lead to significant personal sacrifice. Indeed, one of the immediate repercussions was the abrupt interruption of his career progression within the Church. Rather than receiving the promotion that might have been expected for someone of his dedication and abilities, Don Milani was instead “exiled” to the remote, small mountain parish of Barbiana by Cardinal Florit in the attempt to isolate and silence him. This reassignment was not simply a change of location; it was a deliberate attempt to silence Don Milani, whose outspoken language and actions as a chaplain in Calenzano had alarmed the Church hierarchy.
- Resilience under pressure: Dr. Fauci demonstrated remarkable resilience and steadfastness in his mission, even in the face of numerous threats to his life and family during the COVID-19 pandemic. His ability to maintain focus and commitment under extreme pressure underscores the critical importance of mental toughness and perseverance in leadership, particularly during times of widespread fear and uncertainty. For Dr. Fauci, resilience also involved a strong commitment to self-care. He recognized the importance of maintaining his physical and mental well-being, making it a priority to run every day, even amidst the intense demands of his role. This daily routine provided him with the necessary balance to continue his work at the highest level. Fauci also acknowledges the broader challenges faced by healthcare providers, such as fatigue and burnout, especially during prolonged crises. He has emphasized the need for systems that support frontline healthcare workers, stating, “We’ve got to somehow design our systems to allow for some relief for frontline healthcare workers” (ACHE). Fauci advocated for flexibility and surge capacity within healthcare systems, which may include bringing back retired clinicians or reallocating healthcare professionals from other areas. He believed that pandemic planning should be approached as a marathon, not a sprint, with solutions that focus on longevity and sustainability rather than quick fixes. Similarly, Don Milani demonstrated extraordinary resilience when faced with accusations, threats, and eventual exile to the remote parish of Barbiana, particularly after the publication of “Lettera ai Cappellani Militari.” Despite the immense challenges, Don Milani remained resolute in his mission to advocate for the marginalized. After being exiled to Barbiana, Don Milani could have chosen to defy the Church authorities by staying in Calenzano to continue expanding his Popular School, or he could have retreated into a monastic life, focusing solely on his writings. Instead, he chose a different path — one that showcased his resilience and adaptability. He established a school for the few young people in the mountainous region of Barbiana and continued to apply his critical educational methods, including group writing, which he had developed in Calenzano. Don Milani’s decision to embrace his new circumstances and continue his educational mission, despite the harsh conditions and lack of support from Church authorities, is a testament to his resilience. Both Dr. Fauci and Don Milani illustrate the critical role of resilience in leadership, particularly in the face of adversity. Their ability to adapt, persevere, and maintain their focus on the greater good, even when faced with significant challenges, serves as a powerful example of how true leadership is often forged in the crucible of difficult circumstances.
- Effective & adaptive communication: Dr. Fauci’s ability to communicate complex scientific information in an accessible and transparent manner was a crucial element of his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. His clear, honest, and consistent communication helped build public trust and provided a sense of clarity and direction during a chaotic period. Dr. Fauci credits his Jesuit education for instilling in him the principles of “precision of thought and economy of expression,” which have been central to his communication style. As he explained, “You have to know exactly what your message is, understand your audience, and deliver it concisely without meandering, to ensure the message is crisp and clear.” This focus on clarity is something Dr. Fauci learned early on and has honed throughout his career. He emphasized the importance of knowing your message and being able to articulate it in a way that resonates with the audience. Dr. Fauci recognized that in an evolving and dynamic situation, such as the early stages of HIV or the COVID-19 outbreak, it is essential to communicate not just the current understanding but also the uncertainty that comes with emerging information. “When you’re dealing with literally in real time the emergence of new information,” Dr. Fauci noted, “you’ve got to make it clear that, to the best of our knowledge, this is what we know now, but it may change as new data and evidence come about” (JN Learning). This approach required a balance of flexibility and humility, acknowledging that recommendations might need to change as more is learned. For example, early in the COVID-19 pandemic, it was believed that the virus did not spread efficiently, which influenced initial guidelines on mask-wearing and avoiding congregate settings. However, as more data emerged, showing that the virus could spread effectively through aerosols and that asymptomatic individuals could transmit it, the guidance evolved. Dr. Fauci’s willingness to adjust his communication as new evidence came to light demonstrated his commitment to transparency and truth, even when the message had to change. Similarly, Don Milani was known for his well-informed and well-argued communication style. His direct and critical language was a powerful tool for advocating institutional and cultural change. Don Milani, like Dr. Fauci, understood the importance of delivering a clear and impactful message to mobilize the public toward the common good. Both leaders exemplified how effective communication is not just about delivering information, but about doing so in a way that is accessible, transparent, and adaptable to changing circumstances. This ability to communicate effectively underpins their leadership, enabling them to connect with and guide the public through complex and challenging situations.
Both Dr. Anthony Fauci and Don Lorenzo Milani exemplify leadership built on trust, integrity, and a commitment to the public good, particularly in times of crisis. Dr. Fauci’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic showcased his ability to balance empathy with scientific rigor, maintain transparency, and adapt to new information, all while receiving significant personal attacks on a daily basis. In a 2024 interview, Dr. Fauci explained that empathy motivated his medical career but an old phrase from high school kept him going: ““Don’t let the bastards wear you down” (CNN). Don Milani’s tenacity in times of adversity was not so dissimilar. His courage to challenge authority and his direct, impactful communication were crucial in his advocacy for social justice. Both leaders demonstrate that effective leadership requires moral courage, clear communication, and the humility to adjust course as needed, while also prioritizing the greater good over personal or political interests.
Part 3: Leadership for the Common Good
The leadership lessons drawn from the lives of Dr. Anthony Fauci and Don Lorenzo Milani converge on a fundamental principle: the common good. In Catholic social teaching, the common good is defined as “the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1906). This principle emphasizes that societal institutions and leaders should strive to create conditions that enable every person to thrive by respecting the dignity of individuals, fostering social well-being and development, and ensuring peace and security. The comparison between Dr. Fauci and Don Milani highlights that courageous leadership rooted in the common good is defined by service, integrity, resilience, and effective communication. Both leaders exemplify how addressing immediate needs, while simultaneously fostering conditions for long-term well-being and justice, is essential to true leadership. Their examples underscore that a “common good mindset” — marked by universal care for all and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others — is fundamental to building a more equitable and compassionate society.
Dr. Fauci’s work in public health is a direct manifestation of this principle. His leadership during health crises like the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies a commitment to the common good through public health initiatives that protect and improve the health of communities. By prioritizing the well-being of the population, especially the most vulnerable, Dr. Fauci embodies the dedication to social well-being and development that is central to the common good. His efforts ensure that everyone has access to necessary medical care, vaccines, and health education, thereby fostering a healthier and more equitable society. Similarly, Don Milani’s focus on social justice, particularly through education, reflects his dedication to the common good. Don Milani believed in empowering the marginalized, providing them with the tools to uplift themselves, and advocating for their rights. His commitment to quality education for the poor and his support for conscientious objectors demonstrate his efforts to eliminate barriers to personal development and to create conditions where every person can achieve their potential. This aligns with the principles of the common good by striving for social equity and the upliftment of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.
For leaders embracing the common good, several key implications emerge from the comparison between Dr. Fauci and Don Milani. First, leaders should prioritize health and well-being by ensuring that public health policies are inclusive and address the needs of the most vulnerable populations. This includes advocating for preventive measures, equitable healthcare services, and addressing social determinants of health. Second, the elimination of poverty is crucial for the common good, requiring policies that provide economic opportunities, social safety nets, and support services to prevent economic inequality. Third, leaders must ensure that quality education is accessible to all, fostering environments where every individual can learn and grow. Fourth, a commitment to the common good involves welcoming and integrating fragile and vulnerable sectors such immigrants and refugees, promoting inclusive policies that respect their dignity and contributions. Finally, sustainable development is essential for enduring peace, societal well-being and the long-term common good, requiring leaders to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship to ensure that future generations can meet their own needs. Courageous leaders are tenacious in times of crisis and persistently championing the conditions necessary for our shared health, well-being, and common future.
Suggested Citation: Tavanti, M., Wilp, E. & Tavanti, J. (2024, June 18). “Courageous Leadership: Dr. Anthony Fauci and Don Lorenzo Milani’s Stand for the Common Good.” Medium (EduVators). https://medium.com/p/3ff35fa2d441
Explore More: Fauci, Anthony. On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service. Diversified Publishing, 2024. Geographic, National. Fauci: Expect the Unexpected: Ten Lessons on Truth, Service, and the Way Forward. National Geographic, 2021. Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. on MIH website: https://www.niaid.nih.gov/about/anthony-s-fauci-md
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About the Authors: Marco Tavanti is an Italian-born American professor who deeply appreciates Don Lorenzo Milani’s teaching methods. He learned about these methods near the Barbiana school early in his career. Marco’s work brings these impactful ideas into today’s teaching practices worldwide. Elizabeth Wilp is a researcher contributing to inclusive education, especially in curricula and classrooms with students from different cultures and backgrounds. Her research and experience provide important insights into how schools can be more effective and welcoming for all students. Julie Tavanti is a Chinese-born American student passionate about developing new ways to teach students who learn differently and helping more women get into STEM fields. Her unique background and dedication to diverse education shape her views and efforts.
