Is there Anyone in the World, Including The Pope, Who Does Not Suffer From Imposter Syndrome?

Reading an article in the New York Times, May 1, 2025, about Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, once leader of the Church in the Philippines, who, when asked if he could become the first Asian Pope, as he is considered on one of the many short lists again, been on such lists since 2015, he said, “it’s impossible.” He implied that he suffered from imposter syndrome. The New York Times quoted something he told the BBC in 2015, “I cannot even manage my life. How can I manage the worldwide community?”

The first question that came to my mind was,” is there anybody in the world, including the Pope, who does not suffer from imposter syndrome?”

I searched my previous blog posts to see if I had ever addressed imposter syndrome. Not having any history, being a Holocaust survivors’ child, I like to address issues that I think my children and grandchildren should know about if I’m not around to address it, if they ever get around to asking me. I think imposter syndrome is important to address.

According to a Google search and AI,

“Impostor syndrome, also known as impostor phenomenon or fraud syndrome, is a psychological experience that causes people to doubt their skills and successes.”

“It's characterized by a persistent feeling of inadequacy and the belief that success is undeserved, even when evidence suggests otherwise. (emphasis added). “

Take a look at the source material for further detail. It goes further to say that perfectionism and over achievement are characteristics of those who experience imposter syndrome.

“There is no single cause of imposter syndrome, but research suggests it likely arises from a combination of factors. A highly demanding family upbringing appears to play a role,. . . .”

“. . . .as does working in a demanding professional environment.”

I know that I have felt that I have suffered from imposter syndrome in my several demanding careers.  I now know that being a Holocaust survivors’ child and living for at least seven murdered relatives most likely contributed to its cause. I think everyone can point to something.

Most important about imposter syndrome to recognize is

that despite independent evidence that shows you are competent and good at what you do, someone with imposter syndrome may feel undeserving, inadequate, unprepared, or not good enough, or, might feel that those around them have overestimated their abilities.

When someone climbs the ladder of success quickly, possibly feeling unprepared for what is coming, someone may feel they have imposter syndrome.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle was not ultimately declared to be the next Pope.  Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, only having been a cardinal since 2023, when he realized he was going to have the votes to be the next Pope, was said to have had his head in his hands. His friend, Cardinal Tobin, said, “I couldn’t imagine what happens to a human being when you’re facing something like that. And then, when he accepted it, it was like he was made for it.”

Such is the elevation of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost to Pope Leo XIV.  It seems that no one is excluded from the imposter syndrome, but one may look to Pope Leo XIV as he accepted his new role. May he be guided by God to fulfill his purpose.

According to this Boomer Grandma, the good news is that as you age, imposter syndrome seems to go away. Once your career goes away, your complicated life goes away, the pressure goes away. In retirement, life is good.

This Grandma is back to enjoying quality of life, where what I do does not matter to anyone but myself. Yes, I have very high standards of what is good enough for myself, but, having good health, being present in a good life, being appreciative of that good life, being generous of spirit, sharing the knowledge and experience of having lived a long life is very gratifying.

Please know that imposter syndrome is just that, a syndrome that now has no place in your life. Knowledge and understanding is powerful.

So, if you are accepted by a college of your choice, you have been found competent to succeed in your educational experience.  If you get a dream opportunity or job, your mentor or employer has found you competent to succeed. You have shown you deserve it. Enjoy the feeling of success.

I hope that by reading this blog post, you internalize that if you are succeeding in your life, as you define your success and strive for that success for yourself, you are succeeding. Please stop analyzing and enjoy the journey of life, as you deserve where it brings you, with

Joy,

Mema