Newswise — Pope Francis died Monday after a groundbreaking 12-year pontificate marked by his commitment to the poor and marginalized, advocacy for migrants and the environment, and an openness to change that has fueled continued debate between reformers and tradition-minded Catholics. This special Outlook News Bulletin gathers faculty from the UChicago Divinity School who can discuss Pope Francis' impact on the Catholic Church, and what comes next. As always, reporters can find scholars on any topic through our and @UChicagoNews on Twitter. If you are on deadline and need to speak to someone, contact Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz, director of media relations, via email at [email protected].
WHAT COMES AFTER THE POPE'S PASSING
is an expert on ancient Christianity and Catholic theology, teaching on the history of Biblical interpretation, religious poetry, and embodied religious practices. She can speak to the significance of the Pope’s passing, and explain the ceremonies to come, including the Pope's funeral rites and the papal election.
THE POPE'S REFORMS
studies the Enlightenment's importance for religious thought and practice. He is the author of a forthcoming book on the nature of Catholicism between the first and second Vatican Councils, and the use of Catholic sacraments as devices in literature. Rosengarten can discuss the changes Pope Francis brought to the Church.
THE FUTURE OF THE PAPACY
studies the relationship between modern European philosophy and the history of Christian theology. He’s the author of “,” which examines the shifting role of religion in Heidegger’s philosophy. Coyne can comment on the role of the papacy in modern times, and what the position symbolizes moving forward.
THE PAPACY & RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY
is a historian of American religion with expertise on the intersection of religion, politics, and capitalism. He’s currently writing on the confluence of evangelicalism and free-market capitalism in Colorado Springs. Schultz can discuss the role of the papacy in Americans’ struggle with questions of religious authority and authenticity.
THE POPE AS PUBLIC FIGURE
is an expert on the history of Christian thought, focusing on the medieval and early Christian intellectual tradition. Her latest book, “,” considers historical conceptions of human selfhood. Otten can discuss the Pope’s primacy in the public’s engagement with Catholicism.
RSS