The Catholic Church has elected Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina to become the first Latin American Pope, Pope Francis. If you are looking for an expert or sources to provide context in your coverage of this new development, The University of Texas at Austin has the number one graduate program in Latin American History in the nation, as well as a number of experts available to provide insight on this announcement.
Take a look at the experts listed below and feel free to contact them for an interview or additional information. If you have any additional questions, contact UT Media Relations at 512-471-3151.
Virginia Garrard-Burnett, professor of history and religious studies, specializes in the religious history of Latin America with a focus on Protestantism and new religious movements. She is available to speak generally about the impact of the new Pope, Catholicism in Latin America, and the Pope selection process.
She can be reached at 512-426-7229, or garrard@mail.utexas.edu.
Jeremi Suri, professor in the Department of History and LBJ School of Public Affairs, is a leading international scholar who specializes in U.S. nation-building, international security, protest movements and globalization. He is available to discuss the new Pope’s impact on foreign policy.
He may be reached at 512-475-7242, or suri@austin.utexas.edu.
Matthew Butler, associate professor of history, specializes in Latin American Catholicism. He is available to discuss various topics relating to the new Pope’s impact on Latin America. He is available for email interviews: mbutler@austin.utexas.edu.
