Three different popes have seen this image. It is Saint John Henry Newman.
Pope Benedict XVI beatified him in the United Kingdom, Pope Francis canonized him in Rome, and now Pope Leo XIV confers upon him the title of Doctor of the Church.
On this very special occasion of the Jubilee of the Educational World, which always needs figures of reference and role models, His Holiness has decided to proclaim Saint John Henry Newman a Doctor of the Church, recognizing his decisive contribution to the renewal of theology and to the understanding and development of Christian doctrine.
Newman was an Anglican priest who, after having once claimed that the Pope was the Antichrist, converted to Catholicism and eventually became a cardinal.
Now, in addition to being a saint, he is also a doctor. Pope Leo XIV granted him this distinction by pronouncing the following formula in Latin.
This applause came from the students and teachers, gathered in Rome for their jubilee. For them, Newman is a figure of reference, especially in the academic world. That is also why the Pope made this appointment.
POPE LEO XIV:
On this Solemnity of All Saints, it is a great joy to inscribe Saint John Henry Newman among the Doctors of the Church and, at the same time, on the occasion of the Jubilee of the Educational World, to name him co-patron—together with Saint Thomas Aquinas—of all those involved in the educational process.
At the end of the Mass, the Pope wished to offer a greeting to the Anglican delegation present at the celebration. Their presence was a gesture of ecumenical friendship between Catholics and Protestants.
POPE LEO XIV:
I am most pleased to welcome the official delegation of the Church of England, led by His Excellency Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York. Following the historic prayer meeting with His Majesty King Charles III, held a few days ago in the Sistine Chapel, your presence here today expresses the joy we share at the proclamation of Saint John Henry Newman as Doctor of the Church.
Now, with St. Newman, the list of Doctors of the Church gains one more member – 38 in total.
CA
Trans. CRT
