Pope Leo XIV declares St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the Church Pope Leo XIV has declared St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the Church, recognizing the English cardinal and theologian \u2014 one of the most influential converts from Anglicanism \u2014 as a towering figure of faith and intellect in modern Catholicism. The declaration took place at the beginning of Mass for the solemnity of All Saints on Nov. 1, celebrated in St. Peter\u2019s Basilica as part of the Jubilee of Education. Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, read Newman\u2019s biography and formally requested that the pope proclaim the saint a doctor of the Church. Pope Leo then read in Latin the solemn formula declaring Newman the 38th doctor of the universal Church. The pope also named Newman co-patron of Catholic education, putting him alongside St. Thomas Aquinas in that role. \u2018An inspiration to new generations\u2019 \u201cNewman\u2019s impressive spiritual and cultural stature will surely serve as an inspiration to new generations whose hearts thirst for the infinite and who, through research and knowledge, are willing to undertake that journey which, as the ancients said, takes us \u2018per aspera ad astra,\u2019 through difficulties to the stars,\u201d the pope said in his homily. \u201cThe lives of the saints teach us that it is possible to live passionately amidst the complexity of the present, without neglecting the apostolic mandate to \u2018shine like stars in the world,\u2019\u201d the pope continued, quoting St. Paul\u2019s Letter to the Philippians. \u201cOn this solemn occasion, I wish to say to teachers and educational institutions: \u2018Shine today like stars in the world\u2019 through your authentic commitment to the collective search for truth and to sharing it with generosity and integrity.\u201d Referring to Newman\u2019s famous hymn \u201cLead, Kindly Light,\u201d Leo added: \u201cThe task of education is precisely to offer this Kindly Light to those who might otherwise remain imprisoned by the particularly insidious shadows of pessimism and fear. For this reason, I would like to say to you: let us disarm the false reasons for resignation and powerlessness, and let us share the great reasons for hope in today\u2019s world.\u201d Pope Leo also emphasized that \u201clife shines brightly not because we are rich, beautiful, or powerful. Instead, it shines when we discover within ourselves the truth that we are called by God, have a vocation, have a mission, that our lives serve something greater than ourselves.\u201d Finally, he recalled Pope Benedict XVI\u2019s words to young people: \u201c\u2018What God wants most of all for each one of you is that you should become holy. He loves you much more than you could ever begin to imagine.\u2019 This is the universal call to holiness that the Second Vatican Council made an essential part of its message. And holiness is intended for everyone, without exception, as a personal and communal journey marked out by the beatitudes.\u201d \u201cI pray that Catholic education will help each person to discover their own call to holiness,\u201d the pope said. What is a doctor of the Church? The title \u201cdoctor of the Church\u201d is given to saints recognized for their eminent learning, deep holiness, and significant contribution to Catholic theology. To receive the title, a saint must have demonstrated outstanding sanctity confirmed by canonization, excellence in doctrine through writings of lasting influence, and a formal declaration by the pope. The most recent doctor of the Church before Newman was St. Irenaeus of Lyon, proclaimed by Pope Francis in 2022 as the \u201cDoctor of Unity.\u201d Other doctors of the Church include St. Augustine, St. Ambrose, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Teresa of \u00c1vila, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Th\u00e9r\u00e8se of Lisieux, St. Anthony of Padua, and St. Francis de Sales. Who is St. John Henry Newman? St. John Henry Newman was born in London on Feb. 21, 1801. Originally an Anglican priest, he became one of the leading figures of the Oxford Movement, which sought to return the Church of England to its ancient roots. His theological reflections led him ever closer to Catholicism, and in 1845 he entered the Catholic Church. In remarks after Saturday\u2019s Mass, Pope Leo welcomed an official delegation of the Church of England, led by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell of York, and prayed that Newman might \u201caccompany Christians on their journey towards full union.\u201d Ordained a Catholic priest in 1847, Newman founded the Oratory of St. Philip Neri in England and went on to produce an immense body of work \u2014 more than 40 books and some 20,000 letters \u2014 spanning theology, philosophy, and education. Pope Leo XIII made him a cardinal in 1879. Newman chose as his motto \u201cCor ad cor loquitur\u201d (\u201cHeart speaks to heart\u201d), reflecting his conviction that true conversion is a return to the innermost dwelling of God in the heart. He died in Edgbaston, England, in 1890. Pope Benedict XVI beatified him in 2010, and Pope Francis canonized him in 2019. His remains rest in the Catholic cemetery of Rednal, Birmingham. This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA\u2019s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA. Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp Walter S\u00e1nchez Silva Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter. More news related to this article Remembering Joaqu\u00edn Navarro-Valls: The Spokesperson of a Saint Behind the Scenes of WYD in Lisbon: an Interview with Cardinal-designate Americo Aguiar Cardinal Filoni: \u2018We remain with the people\u2019 in war\u2011torn Middle East Pectoral cross of Benedict XVI stolen from Bavarian church The Vatican encourages youth to participate in prayer vigil What\u2019s Next For AI In 2025? Catholic Experts Weigh In<\/p>\n