Latest news with #DepartmentofSociology
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Will we see the first-ever American pope? How USA's image could come into play
President Donald Trump's recent joke that he would "like to be pope" aside, the chances do not appear great that the next pope will hail from the United States. The College of Cardinals will convene a conclave at the Vatican on May 7 to select a successor to replace Pope Francis, who died April 21 at 88. There have been 266 popes, and 217 of the have been Italian. Francis made history as the first pope from Latin America, and there has never been one from the U.S. Still, two Americans drawing attention are Cardinal Raymond Burke, 76, a critic of Francis' progressive actions whom Francis removed as the Vatican's high court justice in 2014, and Cardinal Joseph Tobin, 72, archbishop of Newark, N.J., who was named a cardinal by Francis. Melissa Wilde, a sociologist of religion and inequality and chairperson of the Department of Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania, acknowledged it is difficult to predict what the cardinals will decide when the conclave gathers. But she shared her perceptions based on geography with USA TODAY. "It will not be another Latin American, it will most likely not be an American, but this could be the wild card," she said. "I would say Asian or African, if not one of them, American, if not one of them, an Italian." The Rev. James Bretzke, a theology professor at John Carroll University in Ohio, indicated he believes Americans may fall further down the list. Burke, for example, might claim a few votes in the early rounds "then disappear totally from the tallies after that" as cardinals who backed him switch to other conservatives gaining more momentum, Bretzke said. Pope has role as global diplomat Bretzke says a pope is a diplomat who must be accepted globally, and the papacy must appear to represent a cross-section of the world. In the past, Italians were viewed within the church as diplomats, so they were more acceptable across ethnic groups − although this appears to be less important now, he said. "However, these considerations will continue, in my opinion, to prevent any American from being elected the next pope, even if otherwise he might be well qualified," Bretzke said. "America's image in the world simply is too powerful − and to be blunt, ugly." The Rev. Patrick Flanagan, associate professor of theology and religious studies at St. John's University in New York, says he has seen various reviews of the 'elite eight, fabulous four, and the latest May Madness chart." But he emphasized the adage 'in pope, out cardinal," meaning anyone who goes into a conclave thinking they will become pope usually exits the conclave still a cardinal. President for pope? Trump jokes he'd 'like to be pope' Trump makes a papal pitch Trump on Tuesday joked he'd like to be the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church. 'I'd like to be pope,' Trump told reporters outside the White House. 'That would be my No. 1 choice.' In response to Trump's remarks, South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham jokingly wrote on X that he was 'excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope.' 'This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!' he wrote. 'The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides. Watching for white smoke…. Trump MMXXVIII!' Trump also made what appeared to be a playful pitch for Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, saying there was someone in New York who is " very good, so we'll see what happens." − Sudiksha Kochi Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, left, exits the Cathedral Basilica of the Scared Heart in Newark on Nov. 7, 2024. Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke holds a palm branch during the Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, April 13, 2025. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will we see first-ever American pope? How USA's image comes into play
USA Today
04-05-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Will we see the first-ever American pope? How USA's image could come into play
Will we see the first-ever American pope? How USA's image could come into play Show Caption Hide Caption 'I'd like to be pope,' Trump jokes ahead of conclave When asked about who he'd want to be elected as the next pope, President Donald Trump joked before saying he has no preference. President Donald Trump's recent joke that he would "like to be pope" aside, the chances do not appear great that the next pope will hail from the United States. The College of Cardinals will convene a conclave at the Vatican on May 7 to select a successor to replace Pope Francis, who died April 21 at 88. There have been 266 popes, and 217 of the have been Italian. Francis made history as the first pope from Latin America, and there has never been one from the U.S. Still, two Americans drawing attention are Cardinal Raymond Burke, 76, a critic of Francis' progressive actions whom Francis removed as the Vatican's high court justice in 2014, and Cardinal Joseph Tobin, 72, archbishop of Newark, N.J., who was named a cardinal by Francis. Melissa Wilde, a sociologist of religion and inequality and chairperson of the Department of Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania, acknowledged it is difficult to predict what the cardinals will decide when the conclave gathers. But she shared her perceptions based on geography with USA TODAY. "It will not be another Latin American, it will most likely not be an American, but this could be the wild card," she said. "I would say Asian or African, if not one of them, American, if not one of them, an Italian." The Rev. James Bretzke, a theology professor at John Carroll University in Ohio, indicated he believes Americans may fall further down the list. Burke, for example, might claim a few votes in the early rounds "then disappear totally from the tallies after that" as cardinals who backed him switch to other conservatives gaining more momentum, Bretzke said. Bretzke says a pope is a diplomat who must be accepted globally, and the papacy must appear to represent a cross-section of the world. In the past, Italians were viewed within the church as diplomats, so they were more acceptable across ethnic groups − although this appears to be less important now, he said. "However, these considerations will continue, in my opinion, to prevent any American from being elected the next pope, even if otherwise he might be well qualified," Bretzke said. "America's image in the world simply is too powerful − and to be blunt, ugly." The Rev. Patrick Flanagan, associate professor of theology and religious studies at St. John's University in New York, says he has seen various reviews of the 'elite eight, fabulous four, and the latest May Madness chart." But he emphasized the adage 'in pope, out cardinal," meaning anyone who goes into a conclave thinking they will become pope usually exits the conclave still a cardinal. President for pope? Trump jokes he'd 'like to be pope' Trump on Tuesday joked he'd like to be the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church. 'I'd like to be pope,' Trump told reporters outside the White House. 'That would be my No. 1 choice.' In response to Trump's remarks, South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham jokingly wrote on X that he was 'excited to hear that President Trump is open to the idea of being the next Pope.' 'This would truly be a dark horse candidate, but I would ask the papal conclave and Catholic faithful to keep an open mind about this possibility!' he wrote. 'The first Pope-U.S. President combination has many upsides. Watching for white smoke…. Trump MMXXVIII!' Trump also made what appeared to be a playful pitch for Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, saying there was someone in New York who is " very good, so we'll see what happens." − Sudiksha Kochi
Sharjah 24
15-04-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Khorfakkan University concludes ‘Hunt for Diamonds' Competition
Final Ceremony Held Khorfakkan University wrapped up its entrepreneur-themed competition, titled 'Hunt for Diamonds' with a special ceremony to announce the winners and celebrate creative and inspiring ideas. This event is part of the university's strategy to foster developmental initiatives, innovation, and entrepreneurship among students and faculty. Officials and Guests Present The ceremony saw the participation of several distinguished figures, including Prof. Dr. Ali Hilal Al Naqbi, Chancellor of the University of Khorfakkan; Prof. Dr. Mohammed Yousef Baniyas, Advisor for Higher Education Affairs at Sharjah Private Education Authority; Dr. Hashem Al Zaabi, the Director of Sharjah Maritime Academy and a Board Member; Eng. Abdulrahman Al Naqbi, the Director of Khorfakkan Municipality and a Board Member; along with Khalfan Al Harethi, the Branch Director at the Sharjah Department of Economic Development. A notable presence of faculty, staff, and students was observed at the event. Innovative Entries Evaluated Dr. Jumaa Ali informed 'Sharjah24' that the competition, which was launched in January, received numerous entries from students, staff, and faculty. The submissions included innovative tech solutions, sustainable environmental and health projects, as well as unique community initiatives. A panel of experts in innovation and entrepreneurship meticulously reviewed all entries based on criteria such as creativity, feasibility, and community impact. Annual Initiative Planned The competition successfully achieved its objective of promoting a culture of innovation and highlighting exceptional ideas for future advancement. The university has announced its intention to hold the competition on an annual basis, aiming to create additional opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. University Commitment Reaffirmed Prof. Dr. Ali Hilal Al Naqbi conveyed his pride in the exceptional skill and creativity showcased by the participants. He highlighted that the competition showcases the university's dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship, which are essential foundations for shaping the future and improving graduate competitiveness. Support for Students The university is actively working on a comprehensive system aimed at supporting creative students. This includes various programs, competitions, and entrepreneurial initiatives, alongside hands-on training and specialized guidance designed to help students enhance their skills and reach their goals. Winners Announced Murad Ali from the Department of Sociology in the College of Arts, Sciences, and IT secured first place in the competition. The second-place award went to a team from the College of Marine and Aquatic Sciences, comprising students Yaman Bashar, Yassin Saleh, Mohammed Ahmed, Suleiman Khamis, and Hamdan Saif. Jassim Mahboub, also from the Department of Sociology in the College of Arts, Sciences, and IT, took home third place.
