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
Hofstra Law Professor James Sample appeared on ABC News to give a legal analysis on a new Supreme Court ruling that involves gender-affirming care for transgender children.
1 min
Dr. Meena Bose, Hofstra University professor of political science, executive dean of the Public Policy and Public Service program, and director of the Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency, was interviewed by the Oswego County Palladium-Times about a bill introduced by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-Cleveland) that would make President Donald Trump’s birthday a national holiday. The effort to make Trump’s birthday a holiday isn’t necessarily surprising, but the controversial nature of his presidency means it will probably never happen, said Dr. Bose.
1 min
Lawrence Levy, associate vice president and executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies, wrote an opinion piece for the Times Union: “Commentary: Don’t write off Hochul just yet.” He was also interviewed by Newsday about Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado jumping into the governor’s race. Levy said Delgado has to be viewed as a “deep underdog.” His name recognition is low and Hochul already has $16 million in campaign funds, to Delgado’s $969,000. “Delgado has spent a lot of time traveling the state as lieutenant governor but I’m not sure what kind of network he built up,” Levy said.
Check out some other posts from Hofstra University
1 min
Hofstra Law Professor James Sample appeared on ABC News to give a legal analysis on a new Supreme Court ruling that involves gender-affirming care for transgender children.
1 min
Dr. Meena Bose, Hofstra University professor of political science, executive dean of the Public Policy and Public Service program, and director of the Kalikow Center for the Study of the American Presidency, was interviewed by the Oswego County Palladium-Times about a bill introduced by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-Cleveland) that would make President Donald Trump’s birthday a national holiday. The effort to make Trump’s birthday a holiday isn’t necessarily surprising, but the controversial nature of his presidency means it will probably never happen, said Dr. Bose.
1 min
Lawrence Levy, associate vice president and executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies, wrote an opinion piece for the Times Union: “Commentary: Don’t write off Hochul just yet.” He was also interviewed by Newsday about Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado jumping into the governor’s race. Levy said Delgado has to be viewed as a “deep underdog.” His name recognition is low and Hochul already has $16 million in campaign funds, to Delgado’s $969,000. “Delgado has spent a lot of time traveling the state as lieutenant governor but I’m not sure what kind of network he built up,” Levy said.
