Pope Leo declares Newman Doctor of the Church

Saint John Henry Newman (Pixabay)

Saint John Henry Newman was a canonized saint, a cardinal of the Holy Roman Church and the founder of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri in England. He was born in London in 1801, converted to Evangelical Christianity at age 15 before joining the Church of England and becoming an Anglican priest. Newman converted to Catholicism in 1845 and was ordained a priest. He died in England in 1890.

Newman was a noted theologian, academic, historian, writer and poet.

On Nov. 1, 2025, Pope Leo XIV declared Newman to be a “Doctor of the Universal Church.” The title is derived from the Latin verb “docere,” which means “doctor” or “teacher.”

A pope names a doctor of the church and formally proclaims the title. The person must be a canonized saint reflecting holiness and a theologian distinguished by writings in conformity with church doctrine.

Writings must contribute significantly to church teaching through future generations.

There are 38 doctors of the church including four women:

Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Catherine of Siena, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and

Saint Hildegard of Bingen.