The following DePaul University faculty members are available to provide commentary on various issues surrounding the resignation announcement by Pope Benedict XVI and the selection of a new pope:

Michael L. Budde, director, department of Catholic studies. Catholicism and political identity, the interactions of Catholicism and contemporary cultures, and the church as a worldwide/transnational actor now centered in the so-called "global south" (Latin America, Africa, Asia). Recent books include The Borders of Baptism: Identities, Allegiances and the Church. He can be reached at (773) 325-1974 or mbudde@depaul.edu.

Patrick Callahan, professor of political science.  Catholic social thought and the role of the papacy in the church. He can be reached at (773) 325-7338, pcallaha@depaul.edu.

Peter Casarella, director, Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology.  Expert on issues pertaining to the Catholic Church's growing presence in the "global south" including Latin America and Africa, the demographic makeup of the College of Cardinals, and the centrality of Latino communities in the church.  He also can comment on the theology of Pope Benedict XVI and his approach to cultural diversity.  He can be reached at (773) 325-4183, pcasarel@depaul.edu.

William Cavanaugh, professor of Catholic studies.  Catholic theologian specializing in social ethics; theology and politics; and theology and economics. Interests include the rapidly growing Catholic Church in the global south. Previously lived in Chile and wrote book about the Catholic Church’s response to the Chilean regime of General Augusto Pinochet. He can be reached at (773) 325-7680 or wcavana1@depaul.edu.

Matthew Maguire, associate professor of religious studies. An historian of modern Europe, especially the history of Christianity and intellectual cultural history. Currently writing a book about Catholic theology and philosophy in the early 20th century and its influence on the modern world.  He can be reached at (773) 325-8021 or mmaguir3@depaul.edu.

Thomas O'Brien, associate professor of religious studies. Catholicism and its economic, social and political teachings, business ethics. O'Brien is a board member of the progressive Catholic organization Call to Action. Though he doesn't expect a major shift in the overall direction of the church under a new pope, O'Brien notes that a new papacy may be able to more directly address various aspects of the sex abuse scandal. He can be reached at (773) 325-1283 or tobrien8@depaul.edu.

Alexander Stummvoll, research fellow, Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology.  Expert on issues related to the Catholic Church and global politics, Vatican politics, the College of Cardinals, and papal election procedures.  A native of Austria who lived and studied on three continents, he can comment on the legacy of Pope Benedict XVI and challenges awaiting the future Pope a variety of national, political and cultural perspectives. He can be reached at (773) 325-4157 or astummvo@depaul.edu.