Emory University experts are available to discuss Pope Francis’ historic first visit to the United States and his address to the U.S. Congress on Sept. 24.

Here are several topics related to the papal visit and the experts available to discuss them:

Pope Francis' influence on American society

Marriage and the family, divorce, annulment

Mass incarceration

Death penalty

Phillip Thompson, executive director of the Aquinas Center of Theology at Emory’s Candler School of Theology

Thompson says, “In many ways he's the least American-centric pope. He doesn't think in terms of American objectives and priorities or approach. I hope they pan the audience during his remarks in Congress to see the reaction. I'm sure he'll shock more than a few.”

Contact him at pthomp8@emory.edu or 404-727-8860.

Pope Francis' calls for ethical action

Laudato Si

Cory Labrecque, Raymond F. Schinazi Scholar in Bioethics and Religious Thought at Emory’s Center for Ethics

“For Pope Francis, it is inexcusable for us not to act on behalf (and in protection) of the vulnerable. There is an ‘intimate relationship between the poor and the fragility of the planet’ that must not be ignored or, worse, exacerbated by the economy,” Labrecque says.

Contact him at cory.a.labrecque@emory.edu or 404-727-1208.

Pope Francis and immigration reform

Marie Marquardt, Candler School of Theology and expert on immigration issues from a Catholic perspective

Contact her at marie.marquardt@emory.edu

Pope Francis’ focus on the environment

Patrick Allit, a professor of history and expert on the histories of the environmental movement and Catholicism in the U.S.

"It’s likely that politicians, even those with serious environmental commitments, will pay lip service to Laudato Si but that they will find it hopeless as a manifesto for action,” Allit says.

Contact him at pallitt@emory.edu or 404-727-4471.

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