As the world reacts to the election of a new pope, media outlets are turning to trusted scholars for historical and cultural context. Western New England University’s Dr. John Baick, professor of history, was recently quoted in the Associated Press, exploring how Americans relate to the newly elected pope. His inclusion reflects the caliber of faculty at WNE whose scholarship resonates beyond the classroom and into the broader public discourse.
Reflecting on the cultural reception of the new pontiff, Dr. Baick remarked, “For Americans, the pope is a celebrity. And now we have a new celebrity.” His quote offered valuable context on how American audiences view religious leadership through the lens of media and pop culture.
This type of national exposure not only showcases Dr. Baick’s scholarship but also reinforces the university’s presence in the broader academic and public conversation.
Read the full article here: There’s an American pope, and he’s just like us. At least, we really, really want him to be.
