Apr 30, 2025
1 min
Dr. Julie Byrne, Hofstra University’s Monsignor Thomas Hartman Chair in Catholic Studies and chair of the Department of Religion, spoke to several media outlets following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21.
She told the McClatchy Newspapers that Francis’ openness helped him become popular among people of different faiths. “The Catholic Church has, at some points, seemed under recent papacies to be more insular and more interested in policing its boundaries and more interested in advocacy for Catholics only,” she said, noting that Francis helped people of other faiths feel advocated for.
USA Today News Network talked to Dr. Byrne about Conservatives worrying about Pope Francis’ teachings on morality, attacks on capitalism, and stance on issues like abortion and contraception. The “so-called bedroom issues have always been important to conservatives, and to Catholic conservatives,” Dr. Byrne said. While Francis did not change church doctrine, he showed a willingness to loosen the rules on who should receive Communion or forgiveness for their sins. “When Francis lightens up on that,” Byrne said, “people wonder what’s next.”
The Professor and Monsignor Thomas Hartman Chair in Catholic Studies at Hofstra University
1 min
Mark Lukasiewicz, dean of The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, was interviewed by The Hollywood Reporter for the article “With TV News In Free Fall, Anchors Try Breaking Away,” about the trend of TV news veterans leaving the declining world of linear media to build businesses and their brand on social media, podcasts, and other platforms.
1 min
Martine Hackett, associate professor of population health and chair, spoke with Newsday about how the abrupt decision to pause services at NUMC will affect women already receiving services there. She highlights the stress and uncertainty this creates for expectant mothers trying to plan for delivery.
1 min
Lawrence Levy, associate vice president and executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies, talked to Newsday about successful bipartisan efforts to protect the World Trade Center Health Program from attempts by the White House to reduce the federal workforce. Levy explained to Newsday that advocates and New York lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have found success protecting the program from cuts this past year underscored “the power to get things done, not only when Republicans and Democrats come together, but through urban-suburban coalitions.” Levy also spoke to Newsday about New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli facing several primary opponents this year. Levy said that DiNapoli is seen as an establishment figure within the Democratic Party who is more cautious than the progressive wing would like. He also has deep ties to the state’s politically powerful unions. “In a close race, he’s going to count on them to get out the vote,” Levy said.
Check out some other posts from Hofstra University
1 min
Mark Lukasiewicz, dean of The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, was interviewed by The Hollywood Reporter for the article “With TV News In Free Fall, Anchors Try Breaking Away,” about the trend of TV news veterans leaving the declining world of linear media to build businesses and their brand on social media, podcasts, and other platforms.
1 min
Martine Hackett, associate professor of population health and chair, spoke with Newsday about how the abrupt decision to pause services at NUMC will affect women already receiving services there. She highlights the stress and uncertainty this creates for expectant mothers trying to plan for delivery.
1 min
Lawrence Levy, associate vice president and executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies, talked to Newsday about successful bipartisan efforts to protect the World Trade Center Health Program from attempts by the White House to reduce the federal workforce. Levy explained to Newsday that advocates and New York lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have found success protecting the program from cuts this past year underscored “the power to get things done, not only when Republicans and Democrats come together, but through urban-suburban coalitions.” Levy also spoke to Newsday about New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli facing several primary opponents this year. Levy said that DiNapoli is seen as an establishment figure within the Democratic Party who is more cautious than the progressive wing would like. He also has deep ties to the state’s politically powerful unions. “In a close race, he’s going to count on them to get out the vote,” Levy said.
