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Source Alert
As the globe mourns Pope Francis, USC scholars provide analysis on the history and future of the papacy
As cardinals from all over the globe convene in Rome to commemorate Pope Francis’ legacy and make preparations for the forthcoming conclave, USC academics are ready to provide insightful commentary on the historical context and importance of the papacy, the Vatican’s influence on international issues and the complex procedure of selecting a new pope.
USC authorities can also impart knowledge regarding Pope Francis’ enduring influence on the Roman Catholic Church, particularly his priority on humility, social equity, and environmental stewardship.
Contact: Nina Raffio, [email protected] or (213) 442-8464; USC Media Relations, [email protected] or (213) 740-2215
Why Pope Francis chose his name – and made a commitment on climate
“Pope Francis infused fresh vigor and a warm human element to the papacy when he was appointed Holy Father in 2013. In his initial action as Pope, he selected the name ‘Francis’ for its symbolic representation of a modest and eco-centered saint, arguably the most renowned of all Christian saints,” stated Richard Wood, president of the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
“His initial substantial public remarks validated and deepened that impression: Initially, in Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home, he utilized solid environmental research to situate humanity squarely within the ecological frameworks of the biosphere, delivering a theologically founded appeal for expansive efforts to tackle climate change.”
Contact: [email protected]
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Further Specialists
David Albertson specializes in the narrative of Christian thought throughout the medieval and early modern periods, particularly examining how Christian concepts transformed in Europe from 1100 to 1700, focusing on how theology was shaped by different domains of knowledge including philosophy, science, and the arts.
Albertson serves as an associate professor of religion at USC Dornsife.
Contact: [email protected]
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Lisa Bitel researches the social, cultural, and religious narratives of medieval Europe, including Christianity’s development. She is currently authoring a book that delves into religious transformation and the supernatural in pre-modern Europe.
Bitel is a dean’s professor of religion and a history professor at USC Dornsife.
Contact: [email protected]
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Cavan Concannon specializes in early Christianity, the New Testament, and the nexus of religion and governance. His research also explores the historical Jesus, studies on Paul, ancient Greek and Roman archaeology, and theories and philosophies of religion.
Concannon holds the John R. Tansey Chair in Christian Ethics and is a professor of religion and classics at USC Dornsife.
Contact: [email protected]
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Diane Winston is a leading authority on religion and the media, recognized both as a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and as an academic. Her areas of specialization encompass religion, politics, and the news media, along with religion and entertainment media.
Winston is a professor of journalism and communication and the Knight Center Chair in Media and Religion at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
Contact: [email protected]
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(Photo/Pixabay)
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