From climate change to the church’s changing demographics, Pope Francis has been engaging Catholics in new ways. With the pontiff arriving Tuesday for his first-ever visit to the United States, three USC experts look at the pope’s reforms and what they mean.

Faith and science find common ground on climate change

Julien Emile-Geay

“I think it’s very significant that a faith leader is appealing to common sense, and the best available science, in addition to their sacred text. It paves the way for a more rational debate within the faith community, which in the U.S. is very stubbornly anti-science. Much of the science community hopes that the message will reach a much wider audience through Pope Francis than through the usual channels of scientific publication and the media, which has not proven effective at generating a population-wide consensus as absolute as the scientific consensus.”

JULIEN EMILE-GEAY
Assistant professor of earth sciences at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Shifting generational involvement in the church

Richard Flory

“Younger American Catholics who are still involved in the church are likely to be motivated — and to view positively — the changes being advocated by Pope Francis. However, it is unlikely that his influence will either stem the tide of younger Catholics who are leaving the church, or motivate those who have already left the church to return.”

RICHARD FLORY
Director of research for the Center for Religion and Civic Culture in the USC Dornsife College

A changing church for a changing world

The Rev. James Heft

“Mercy and forgiveness, along with concern for the poor and refugees, have been favorite themes of Pope Francis’ ministry. At least year’s synod on the family, a majority of the bishops supported streamlining the annulment process. Pope Francis followed through and did just that.”

THE REV. JAMES HEFT
Catholic priest and professor of religion at the USC Dornsife College

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