R. Andrew Chesnut

Dr. R. Andrew Chesnut is a Professor and the inaugural Bishop Walter Sullivan Chair in Catholic Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he explores Latin American religious history, Catholicism, and folk religions. His career spans over two decades, including faculty roles at the University of Houston and VCU.

• Ph.D. in Latin American History from UCLA (1995)
• Expert on Pentecostalism, Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and African diasporic religions
• Author of Devoted to Death: Santa Muerte, the Skeleton Saint (2012)

Research focuses on death cults, media-religion intersections, and exorcism practices in Latin America. His blog, The Global Catholic Review, and media contributions analyze trends like Santa Muerte devotion and papal actions. Scientific awards include the Bishop Walter Sullivan Chair (2008).

Current projects examine Catholic memento mori traditions across Europe and the Americas, linking medieval death imagery to modern practices like Mexico’s Day of the Dead. Collaborations with Dr. Kate Kingsbury deepen analyses of gender and death cults.