Papal Experts Available to Comment on Beatification of Pope John Paul II

The following papal scholars from the College of the Holy Cross are available to comment on issues related to the beatification of Pope John Paul II (May 1).  Both have studied John Paul’s papacy extensively.  For more information, or for assistance scheduling an interview, please contact Kristine Maloney at 508-793-2419 (office), 508-612-6578 (cell), or kmmalone@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:

  • controversies surrounding John Paul’s legacy, including his close relationship with Rev. Marcial Maciel.
  • how the beatification could divert attention away from controversial aspects of his legacy.
  • his emphasis on supernaturalism such as miracles, apparitions of the Virgin Mary, etc.
  • the importance he placed on the religious significance of suffering  (See Schmalz’s recent piece on this topic in the Washington Post’s “On Faith” blog.)

 

Rev. Thomas Worcester, S.J., professor of history 773-508-2073 (cell), tworcester@holycross.edu

Fr. Worcester can comment on:

  • the exceptionally short time between John Paul's death and his beatification
  • how he will be remembered in different parts of the world
  • who else we can expect to see beatified soon