At Education Jubilee, Pope Names St. John Henry Newman 'Doctor of the Church'
During the feast of All Saints, Pope Leo XIV marked the conclusion of the Jubilee of the World of Education by formally naming St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the church. The ceremony took place in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, with a relic of St. Newman incensed during the Mass.
Significance of St. John Henry Newman
Pope Leo XIV highlighted that the lives of St. John Henry Newman and other saints demonstrate that "it is possible to live passionately amidst the complexity of the present without neglecting the apostolic mandate to 'shine like stars in the world.'" On November 1, the Pope proclaimed St. Newman the 38th doctor of the church, honoring his significant contributions to theology and spirituality from both the Christian East and West traditions.
Historical Background
- Born in London on February 21, 1801
- Ordained an Anglican priest in 1825
- Converted to Catholicism in 1845
- Appointed cardinal by Pope Leo XIII in 1879
Additional Recognitions
Earlier that week, Pope Leo XIV also named St. Newman co-patron of education. The Mass where he was declared a doctor of the church was attended by leading members of the Anglican Church of England and representatives from the British government.
"It is possible to live passionately amidst the complexity of the present without neglecting the apostolic mandate to 'shine like stars in the world.'"
Author’s summary: Pope Leo XIV honored St. John Henry Newman as a doctor of the church and co-patron of education, recognizing his lasting impact on theology and spirituality across Christian traditions.