Cultural commentators and experts available to discuss the life and legacy of Pope Francis, the papal transition, and the next Pope

ROSWELL, Ga. — The death of a pope is a turning point for the Roman Catholic Church and for all people around the globe. Now that Pope Francis has passed, the Catholic Church stands at a crossroads.

As the faithful navigate a period of mourning for St. Peter’s successor, attention now turns to the controversies that marked Pope Francis’ pontificate and the challenges that await the next pope. Pope Francis was a figure of considerable change and debate within the Church. His efforts to modernize the Church’s approach to various issues sparked both approval and dissent.

Controversies surrounding the Latin Mass, for example, intensified, especially after his 2021 motu proprio, “Traditionis Custodes,” which imposed restrictions on its celebration. Millions of Catholics who wished to preserve the indult, introduced by Pope John Paul II and given even wider permissions by Pope Benedict XVI, voiced their concerns, feeling their liturgical preferences were being marginalized. Others, however, applauded the move as a necessary step toward unity.

Additionally, Pope Francis faced significant challenges in addressing family and life issues. While traditional in his views on abortion and transgenderism, his calls for greater compassion and inclusion regarding divorced and civilly remarried couples and LGBTQ+ relationships raised concerns among many in the Church who felt these changes undermined the deposit of faith that has guided the Catholic Church for 2,000 years. His unique approach to these sensitive and culturally controversial topics led to ongoing debates about the Church’s direction in a rapidly changing world.

As the Catholic Church prepares for the interregnum—a time when the College of Cardinals will gather to elect a new pope—the next pope will inherit a complex landscape. The successor must balance the need for the Church to be a strong voice in the culture with the desires of traditional Catholics who seek to preserve and protect the core teachings of the Catholic Church.

The next pope will face the daunting task of unifying a divided Church while addressing pressing issues such as the future of the Latin Mass, the Church’s stance on family, gender and the dignity of life and its approach to contemporary life and moral issues. The potential for ongoing division, even schism, is real, and the urgency for a leader capable of fostering dialogue and healing is paramount.

Experts are available to provide insights on Pope Francis’s legacy, the controversies he instigated and the challenges which await the next pope.

These Catholic experts include the following:

George Weigel, author of The Next Pope: The Office of Peter and a Church in Mission, can address papal history and the characteristics needed for the next pope to address the needs of the Church and the world.

*He’s available for audio, digital and print interviews only*

Mark Brumley, president of Ignatius Press, one of the nation’s largest Catholic publishers and distributors of videos and music, including several books by Pope Francis, can address the impact of Francis’ papacy on the Church, both short and long term.

Katie McGrady, hosts “The Katie McGrady Show” on SiriusXM’s Catholic Channel, which features interviews with leading Church figures. She is also a CNN contributor and is available to discuss conclave procedures and particulars; the world’s Catholic; Pope Francis’ ministry and legacy; stories of meeting him.

*She’s available for audio, digital and print interviews only*

Francis X. Maier, senior fellow in Catholic Studies at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, former archdiocesan official and author of True Confessions: Voices of Faith from a Life in the Church, can share his insights on Church governance and synodality, as well as the impact of Pope Francis on the Church and lay Catholics’ thoughts on his papacy.

The full list of experts available for comment is here.

For more information, or to schedule an interview with any of these experts, contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.); Lisa Wheeler (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Andrea Boring (480-369-8634 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.); or Brian O’Neel (484-735-5858 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) of Carmel Communications.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of RNS or Religion News Foundation.