Pope Declares Newman Doctor of the Church

Pope Leo XIV has approved the elevation of St. John Henry Newman to 'Doctor of the Church,' following confirmation in a meeting with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro. Newman, a 19th-century Anglican convert and founder of the Oxford Movement, is recognized for his significant contributions to theology, doctrine, and spirituality, as well as his prolific writings. Catholic bishops and lay leaders have praised the decision, emphasizing Newman's motto 'Heart speaks to heart' and his example for converts. The honor, making Newman only the 38th Doctor of the Church, is seen as a major act of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy and holds special importance for the Augustinian tradition. Newman was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010 and canonized by Pope Francis in 2019. The Vatican has not yet announced the date for the formal proclamation.