Pope Leo is to bestow one of the highest honours of the Catholic Church on the 19th century English theologian Cardinal John Henry Newman who was canonised in 2019. He’s to be made a Doctor of the Universal Church in recognition of his teachings and his influence on ecumenism.
Known as one of the most influential thinkers and writers in Christianity, Saint John Henry Newman was born in 1801 and became an Anglican priest before travelling to Italy where he found a deeper understanding of his faith. In 1845 he converted to Catholicism and he was made a Cardinal 34 years later.
His influence and writings remain significant for English Catholics as well as the Anglican Church of England.
He also spent some time in Dublin where he became the founding Rector of the Catholic University, which later became University College Dublin. Welcoming the news that he is to become a Doctor of the Church, the Archbishop of Dublin, Most Rev Dermot Farrell said the news was of "particular significance" to Irish bishops and noted the special connection St John Henry continues to have with Dublin:
"The beautiful University Church on St Stephen’s Green, built on his initiative and under careful supervision, is a special place of worship for all Dubliners and reminds us to this day of his generosity, presence and work among us in that time."
Rt Rev Fintan Monahan, Bishop of Killaloe, has also welcomed the news:"Saint John Henry Newman was steeped in the Scriptures and the writings of the early Church Fathers. Apart from his saintly qualities he became famous for his theological work on the development of doctrine, the importance of conscience, the purpose of education, the role of the laity and an analysis of faith and reason.
"Many regard him as the father of the ideas of Vatican II and the Synodal process. He was certainly way ahead of his time. His devotional work, prayers, hymns and profound poetry helped to bring many people closer in their relationship with God."
John Henry Newman will become the 38th Saint to be recognised as a Doctor of the Church and only the second Englishman to receive the title. St Bede the Venerable, who died in the 8th century was granted the title in 1899.
Doctor of the Church is a title given by the Catholic Church to saints recognized as having made a significant contribution to theology or doctrine through their research, study, or writing.