International scholar appointed to Loyola Institute

The Loyola Institute at Trinity College Dublin » and the School of Religion, Theology, and Peace Studies are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Massimo Faggioli as Professor in Historical and Contemporary Ecclesiology. Professor Faggioli, an Italian currently at Villanova University in the US, is an internationally-established scholar in the area of Vatican II and the papacy especially, and a renowned public commentator on church affairs. He will enhance the work of the School and the mission of the Loyola Institute, as a voice of theology in the Catholic tradition, at the vibrant intersection of the church, the academy, and the wider society.

Speaking about his appointment Professor Faggioli said he was excited about joining the Loyola Institute “which since its foundation in 2012 has become an international hub for the conversation on the social and political role of theology and the Church in pluralist society.” He said that he was looking forward to contributing to the vision of the institute, and to reflecting on “Christian faith, social justice and contemporary culture in the context of the Catholic tradition and in the creative intersection of theology, Church and society.”

Dr Michael Kirwan SJ, Director of the Loyola Institute said he was delighted that Professor Faggioli was joining the institute. “We are welcoming a fine scholar and a confident, articulate voice on the church in the contemporary world,” Dr Kirwan said, adding. “At a time, especially, when the world seems less capable than ever of genuine dialogue and understanding, Professor Faggioli’s contribution will be immensely significant, both in Ireland and in the wider international context.”