Our professors and community members are frequently consulted on issues of both local and global importance.
Here is a sampling of some recent interviews community members have done. Links are provided if available.
The St. Michael’s University community offer joyful prayers of thanksgiving on the election of Pope Leo XIV as he takes up his leadership of the world’s 1.406 billion Catholics… and builds on the visionary servant leadership of Pope Francis.
Pope Leo XIV: Habemus Papam! Photo: Vatican News
Professor Mark McGowan speaks on CP24 about the election of Pope Leo XIV, explaining the significance of the name and what ties there might be between the new pope and Pope Francis.
The St. Michael’s University community offer joyful prayers of thanksgiving on the election of Pope Leo XIV as he takes up his leadership of the world’s 1.406 billion Catholics… and builds on the visionary servant leadership of Pope Francis.
In the wake of the death of Pope Francis, Canadian news outlets have called upon the expertise of St. Michael’s faculty to understand this moment in Church history. Over the past days, our professors have shared their personal encounters with the late pope and added their voices to the discourse on the legacy he leaves behind. Below is a sampling of the many media appearances.
CBC News: Toronto priest struck by serenity of crowd gathered to view Pope Francis.
RSM Professor Darren Dias, O.P. has arrived in Rome to offer commentary for CBC on the Pope’s funeral. He notes that visitation was extended past midnight due to the crowds, who faced a five-hour wait.
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He described the late Pope as, “a great voice in the geopolitical world that we live in” in this article for CBC online and was also interviewed for CBC radio.
St. Michael’s Basilian Distinguished Fellow of Contemporary Catholic Thought and Pope Francis biographer, Professor Michael Higgins, reflected on the legacy of Pope Francis in an opinion piece for the Globe and Mail, titled ‘The legacy of Pope Francis: Choosing faith over fear’ (April 21).
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The Globe and Mail also published an excerpt from Higgins’ book, The Jesuit Disruptor, available to Globe and Mail subscribers. (‘What’s in a name? Everything.’)
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Higgins speaks about how Francis’ passing could affect the synodal process in the Catholic Register’s ‘Church expected to follow synod’s pathway‘(May 1)
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Higgins explains the process of choosing the next pope for CTV online.
History Professor Mark McGowan reflects on the significance of some of Pope Francis’ final moments in interviews for CBC Radio. He was quoted in an article for the Canadian Press, ‘None of Canada’s five cardinals likely to be next pope, Vatican experts say’ (April 21) and spoke with Jas Johal on CKNW Vancouver. He was on Halifax’s The Todd Veinotte Show, on April 22 (his interview starts at the 45 min mark) and The Vassy Kapelos Show.
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In anticipation of the Conclave, McGowan was quoted in an article in the Toronto Star (May 4) on ‘How to pick a pope? Here are the issues and hotly debated candidates as the cardinals prepare to vote.’
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He was also on The Vassy Kapelos Show with Tim Powers filling in, and iHeart Radio at 1:35 pm (May 5).
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McGowan spoke about the process of choosing the next Pope for Bell Media radio.
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McGowan was interviewed on the Jas Johal Show in Vancouver on CKNW AM-750.
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Beyond the Headlines episode featuring Professors Reid Locklin and Mark McGowan called Doctrine, Diplomacy, and Influence: The Papacy and the Catholic Church on the Global Stage. The episode examines the evolving role of the Catholic Church at the intersection of faith, diplomacy, and global politics.
Dr. Moira McQueen, an ethicist who taught at St. Michael’s and is the Executive Director of The Canadian Catholic Bioethics Institute, said Pope Francis acted “as a bridge in society” in this interview for CTV.
Professor Reid Locklin, professor of Christianity and culture, explains how Pope Francis’s successor will be chosen on the following news outlets: Global online, CHCH TV, 680 News Radio, CBC Radio One and CityNews radio.
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Beyond the Headlines episode featuring Professors Reid Locklin and Mark McGowan called Doctrine, Diplomacy, and Influence: The Papacy and the Catholic Church on the Global Stage. The episode examines the evolving role of the Catholic Church at the intersection of faith, diplomacy, and global politics.
On April 30, Christianity & Culture Professor Jean-Olivier Richard was interviewed by David Common on CBC ‘s Metro Morning to discuss the rising popularity of astrology with Millennials and Gen Z. He could also be heard on Radio Canada’s “Y’a pas deux matins pareils” hosted by Nicolas Haddad on May 2.
