Queen’s University experts Robert Dennis and John Young are available to talk about the papal conclave, which begins on Tuesday.

John Young is a professor in the School of Religion who has studied the Second Vatican Council. Dr. Young can talk about the history of the Vatican and the current state of Christianity in the world (including the Roman Catholic Church).

As pre-Conclave meetings conclude on Monday, Mr. Dennis says a key issue in these discussions has been the transparency and functionality of the Roman Curia (the Vatican Civil Service).

"The interregnum between pontificates is a moment where the College of Cardinals is truly sovereign,” says Mr. Dennis, a teaching fellow in the Queen’s history department. “It is not surprising that the work of the Curia is not transparent to the outside world. What we are learning, however, is that cardinals have a great desire for it to be more responsive and open to the Bishops of the Church around the world.”

Mr. Dennis can talk about any issues related to the papal conclave (such as its process or front runners), the history of conclaves (particularly in the 20th century), the legacies of recent popes (including John XXIII, John Paul II, Benedict XVI), or other matters relating to Roman Catholicism in Canada, the Modern Vatican, and/or the future of Roman Catholicism.

To arrange an interview, please contact Queen’s University communication officers Michael Onesi (613-533-6000 ext. 77513 or michael.onesi@queensu.ca) or Anne Craig (613-533-2877 or anne.craig@queensu.ca).

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