April 10, 2014
CUA Experts on Canonization of John Paul II and John XXIII
On Sunday, April 27, Pope Francis will lead the canonization ceremonies of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II, naming them saints. Experts at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., are available to discuss the process of canonization and the papacy of these two popes.
For assistance in reaching sources, contact Katie Lee or Mary McCarthy Hines at 202-319-5600 or cua-public-affairs@cua.edu .
- CATHOLIC CHURCH AND PAPACY - Very Rev. Mark Morozowich , dean of the School of Theology and Religious Studies, can address general questions about the Catholic Church and the papacy. In addition, he is an authority on early Christian liturgy and eastern Churches (Orthodox and Catholic). Father Morozowich can comment on the importance of the Pope as the guarantor of unity. He has served as a frequent commentator for the media on many topics related to the Catholic Church and the papacy. To arrange and interview with Father Morozowich, contact the Office of Public Affairs.
- BACKGROUND ON POPES - Rev. Richard R. De Lillio, O.S.F.S. , clinical associate professor of pastoral studies and homiletics, can discuss the effect these two popes had on evangelization and spirituality. A priest for 40 years, Father De Lillio's main area of expertise is homiletics - or public preaching. Contact De Lillio at delillio@cua.edu or 202-319-6513.
- ROLES OF LAITY AND WOMEN - Melissa Moschella , assistant professor of philosophy, is available to discuss Pope John Paul II's teachings on the roles of the laity and women in the Catholic Church. She can also comment on matters related to social doctrine - such as life, marriage, and family ethics. Contact Moschella at 202-319-6657 or Moschella@cua.edu .
- POLITICAL THEOLOGY - Chad C. Pecknold , assistant professor of theology, teaches fundamental theology and political theology. Pecknold is the author of Transforming Postliberal Theology (T&T Clark, 2005) and Christianity and Politics: A Brief Guide to the History (Cascade 2010). He is currently writing on the Catholic political imagination, Church-state relations, and religious liberty. Contact Pecknold at 202-319-6899 or pecknold@cua.edu .
- THEOLOGY AND PAPACY - Christopher Ruddy , associate professor of historical and systematic theology, is an expert on the papacy and bishops' conferences, ecclesiology, the Catholic Church's role in public life, and ecumenism. He has served as adviser-consultant to several departments of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Contact Ruddy at 202-319-6506 or ruddyc@cua.edu .
- JOHN PAUL II - Andreas Widmer , director of entrepreneurship in the School of Business and Economics, served as a member of the Swiss Guard under Pope John Paul II. He is the author of The Pope & The CEO: Pope John Paul II's Lessons to a Young Swiss Guard, a book exploring leadership lessons that Widmer learned serving Pope John Paul II and refined during his career as a successful business executive. Widmer will be attending the canonization ceremonies at the Vatican with his family. Widmer has served as a frequent commentator to the media on topics related to the papacy in general, papal security, and his personal interactions with Pope John Paul II. Contact Widmer at widmer@cua.edu .
To search for other CUA faculty who serve as experts for the media, visit the online Faculty Experts Guide at http://publicaffairs.cua.edu/experts/ or contact the Office of Public Affairs for more assistance at 202-319-5600 or cua-public-affairs@cua.edu .
