CHICAGO — Faculty from DePaul University, one of the largest Catholic universities in the country, are available to discuss the upcoming papal conclave. Experts can also comment on the legacy of Pope Francis, who died April 21 at the age of 88. Journalists may reach out to faculty directly or contact newsroom@depaul.edu for assistance.
Michael Budde
Professor of Catholic Studies and Political Science
Budde can discuss the intersections of political economy, ecclesiology (a branch of theology focused on the meaning of “church”), and Christianity as a worldwide religious movement and community. He has published on the church and capitalism, Catholicism and popular culture, Christianity and political allegiances, questions of war, political and cultural socialization and the church as a transnational actor.
William (Bill) Cavanaugh
Cavanaugh has been interviewed extensively about the death and legacy of Pope Francis, including interviews in People Magazine and various
Chicago news organizations. His major areas of research have to do with the Church’s encounter with social, political, and economic realities. He is especially interested in the social implications of traditional Catholic beliefs and practices, such as the Eucharist.
Rev. Stan Chu Ilo
Fr. Chu Ilo’s areas of expertise include cross-cultural studies, African intellectual and political history, African Christianity and the world Church, equity and diversity in faith-based education and ministry, religion and social transformation and religion and violence. He has been interviewed about the upcoming conclave by
the BBC and
Chicago Sun-Times.
Scott Moringiello
Moringiello’s expertise is in the history of Catholic theology. He has written on the role bishops historically have played in the Church. He has been interviewed for numerous news outlets and podcasts on Catholicism and Generation Z.
Mark Potosnak
mark.potosnak@depaul.edu
Potosnak has worked with local Catholic leaders on implementing the ideas promoted by Pope Francis’s 2015 encyclical on the environment, Laudato si’. He can discuss the legacy of Pope Francis’ teachings that environmental problems required fixing human systems of relationships and technological solutions that perpetuated injustice should be avoided.
Rev. Christopher Robinson
Religious Studies faculty
crobinso@depaul.edu
Fr. Robinson can discuss the upcoming Conclave, Pope Francis’ legacy and potential futures for the Roman Catholic Church. He is involved in communities throughout Chicago including engagement at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Chicago, home of the Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Organization.