Pope Francis and Catholic Theology

In this class we will discuss the significance of Francis’ papacy and examine its fundamental themes in relation to contemporary Catholic theology. As with Benedict XVI’s choice of the name “Benedict,” Pope Francis’ choice of the name, “Francis,” signals some of the central concerns of his papacy: concern for the poor and care for creation. After discussing the transition from the papacy of Benedict XVI to that of Francis we will examine his focus on environmental degradation and global poverty as crises that demand a response from global Catholics. We will then explore the retrieval of the sacramental imagination and prophetic imagination in contemporary Catholic theology as a means of confronting these social crises