John Bolt is a professor of systematic theology at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Mich. In 2003, he participated in a Calvin forum on seminary education and contributed an article titled “Warning! Seminary Education May Be Hazardous to Your Spiritual Health” to its journal.

Cecilia Gonzalez-Andrieu is assistant professor of theological studies at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and is an expert in Latino theology. She is fluent in Spanish.

The Rev. Dorian Llywelyn is chair of the Catholic studies program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He is fluent in Spanish and can discuss the church’s changing demographics.

Paul McPartlan is Carl J. Peter Professor of Systematic Theology and Ecumenism at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. McPartlan’s areas of expertise include ecumenism, especially Catholic-Orthodox relations; and Vatican II. He is a member of the International Theological Commission, a group of 30 theologians who advise the Vatican on theological issues.

Kurt Martens is an associate professor of canon law at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Martens is an expert on papal elections, the Roman Curia, the Holy See and Vatican City State.

A March 16, 2013, Fox News story outlined Francis’ plans to visit his predecessor, a meeting that — though private — may offer hints on how the two men will handle their extraordinary situation.

In another March 15, 2013, RNS article, the Vatican defended Francis’ actions during Argentina’s 1970s military dictatorship.

A March 15, 2013, RNS story gives behind-the-scenes details of the selection process.

An RNS analysis describes Francis as “a pope of paradox for a church in transition.”