Catholic University Offers Two Experts On Pope John Paul II

Catholic University Offers Two Experts On Pope John Paul II

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Feb 2 -- The University of San Francisco, a Catholic, Jesuit university, is offering two experts who can discuss the life and legacy of Pope John Paul II.

Francis J. Buckley, S.J., is one of the country's leading Catholic theologians. He is Professor Emeritus of Theology & Religious Studies at the University of San Francisco and author of more than 100 books and articles. His academic interests include: Catechesis, pastoral ministry, systematic theology, Church, sacraments and culture.

Buckley can discuss the following points:

1. Pope John Paul II appreciated the value of dramatic gestures. Pilgrimages were more significant than encyclicals and generated expectations. Saints from all over the world were canonized.

2. He shifted the scene from struggle against Communism to ecumenism. He called for dialogue rather than confrontation.

3. He saw value in central authority, summoning US Cardinals about handling of abuse cases, summoning Synods of Bishops from around the world, and acting as a good shepherd to keep the flock together.

4. He saw the value of mass media to evangelize and catechize, to capture attention and to deepen understanding.

5. He was weak on biblical scholarship and Church History. For example, he stated that all at the Last Supper were ordained priests, clearly unaware that women were present at the Seder meal.

6. Like many popes, he found it difficult to rein in the central bureaucracy, which often tried to control and be served rather than serve. Some heads of Congregations became quite independent. He trusted them, sometimes to the detriment of the Church. To his credit, he recognized the problem but was unable to solve it.

Buckley can also discuss challenges facing the next pope, including:

1. The Roman Bureaucracy [Curia], which tends to go off in its own direction, ignoring or trying to reverse the Second Vatican Council.

2. Globalization/ecumenism [Orthodoxy vs. relativism; Pieris]. Pluralism.
3. Secularism and alienation from the institutional Church.


4. Life [sex, cloning, abortion, euthanasia, death penalty, just war, terrorism].

5. Popular religiosity, prayer, devotions. Liturgical reforms.
6. Ministry [ordaining women, married clergy, growing role of laity].
7. Accountability of bishops: fixed terms, lay boards of trustees.

Reach Buckley at 415-422-4200.




Paul Murphy, director of the University of San Francisco's Joan and Ralph Lane Center for Catholic Studies and Social Thought, says, "There will be more changes in how the next pope is chosen than for any papal election in almost a thousand years." For the first time ever, a pope can be elected with a simple majority rather than a 2/3 vote. These changes might eliminate Vatican politicking and could directly affect which man is chosen to lead the Catholic Church.

Murphy can also discuss what John Paul II did for the church, how he changed the papacy, and challenges facing the church, including: pedophilia, globalization, blending of eastern and western theology in Asia, poverty in Latin America, unrest in the third world and civil war and AIDS in Africa.

Reach Paul Murphy at 415-422-6659, home 415-831-9030 or email murphypv@usfca.edu.

For more information, call Gary McDonald, Director of USF Media Relations, at 415-422-2699.

PRNewswire -- Feb. 2


Source: University of San Francisco

Web site: http://www.usfca.edu/


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