Papal Experts Available to Comment on the Canonization of John XXIII and John Paul II

The following papal scholars from the College of the Holy Cross are available to comment on issues related to the canonization of John XXIII and John Paul II on April 27, 2014. Both have studied John and John Paul’s papacies extensively.  For more information, or for assistance scheduling an interview, please contact Cristal Steuer at 508-793-2419 (office), 978-660-3859 (cell), or csteuer@holycross.edu. Experts listed below may also be contacted for comment directly.

Mathew Schmalz, associate professor of religious studies 508-793-2557 (office), mschmalz@holycross.edu

Schmalz can comment on:

  • how John Paul’s canonization points to what Pope Francis might do in the future;
  • controversies surrounding John Paul’s legacy, including his close relationship with Rev. Marcial Maciel;
  • John Paul’s emphasis on supernaturalism such as miracles, apparitions of the Virgin Mary, etc.;
  • the big differences between John and John Paul II and why they are being canonized together;
  • how the canonization could divert attention away from controversial aspects of the legacies of both JPII and John XXIII;
  • general background about canonization and the process.

Rev. Thomas Worcester, S.J., professor of history 508 793-2784 (office) , tworcester@holycross.edu

Fr. Worcester can comment on:

  • the exceptionally short time between John Paul’s death and his canonization;
  • how both John Paul and John will be remembered in different parts of the world;
  • who else we can expect to see canonized soon;
  • See Fr. Worcester’s recent blog post about Saint John XXIII in the Huffington Post.

Related News