Featured Post from University of Rochester

Covering the Conclave? Our Expert Can Help.

Jack Downey is the John Henry Newman Professor of Roman Catholic Studies at the University of Rochester.

May 8, 2025

1 min

Jack Downey


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The world is watching the Vatican as cardinals from across the globe gather for the papal conclave.


The monumental event, which involves cardinals closing themselves off in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope, is steeped in history, mystery, and speculation. The new pontiff will be expected to make difficult decisions about the future direction of the Catholic church, which has almost 1.4 billion followers worldwide, and address the Vatican's strained finances and its sexual abuse scandals.


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If you're a reporter looking for an expert who can provide valuable insight, perspective and opinion on any angle of the events unfolding in Vatican City, consider reaching out to Jack Downey, the John Henry Newman Professor of Roman Catholic Studies at the University of Rochester. 


Downey and his scholarship have been featured in media outlets such as The Washington Post, National Public Radio, and Time Magazine.


Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.




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Jack Downey

Jack Downey

John Henry Newman Professor of Roman Catholic Studies, Professor of Religion and Classics

Downey studies self-immolation as reistance, forms of protest, Roman Catholicism

Civil DisobedienceSocial JusticeChristianityRoman Catholicismself-immolation

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