Father Mike Martin on Electing the Next Pope

Описание: Cardinals of the Catholic Church are gathering at the Vatican to elect the next pope, at a time when reports of sexual molestation by priests continue to plague the church. In a live "Office Hours" conversation Friday, March 8, the Rev. Michael Martin, director of the Duke Catholic Center, will discuss what the leadership transition could mean for the church and wider world.

In a recent post on his @TheDukePriest Twitter account, Martin commented on the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI: "Ben16 resignation reminds me of St. Francis of Assisi-gave up leadership of his Order allowing others to run show #GoodExample #PopeTweets"

Watch the interview live on this webpage or on Duke Today. Send in a question for Martin on Twitter using @DukeOfficeHours, on Facebook on the Duke Office Hours page or by email to [email protected].

Martin stands out on campus, wearing a brown habit as a member of the Conventual Franciscan Friars. He arrived at Duke in 2010 from Baltimore, where was president of Archbishop Curley High School. In 2007, he received the Pro Eccelsia et Pontifice medal for service to the church from Pope Benedict XVI.

He recently led Duke Catholics in the celebration of Ash Wednesday at the Yoh Football Center for the convenience of students tenting out for basketball at Krzyzewskiville.

"Office Hours" is Duke's live webcast series for the university community, and others, to engage with campus experts about their research and scholarship.