Pope Leo XIV decided to proclaim St. John Henry Newman a “Doctor” of the Church, bestowing one of the Catholic community's highest honors on a prominent 19th-century convert from Anglicanism. Newman continues to be recognized as a unifying symbol for both Christian traditions.
Leo XIV approved the conclusion of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints during a meeting with Cardinal Marcello Semeraro on Thursday and will make an official statement soon, the Vatican said.
The decision was a significant step at the start of the new pope’s reign, one laden with personal symbolism: Newman’s spiritual quest had been shaped by the influence of St Augustine of Hippo, the father of the Augustinian order to which Leo belonged. The historical parallel is reinforced by the fact that the pontiff’s namesake, Leo XIII, created Newman a cardinal in 1879 after his conversion to Catholicism.
A theologian and poet, Newman commands deep respect from people of both faiths for his unwavering adherence to his inner convictions despite serious personal losses.
His conversion to Catholicism in 1845 led to a break with friends, the loss of his academic position at Oxford, and a cooling of family relations. Newman was convinced that the truth he sought was available only within the bosom of the Catholic Church.
The degree of Doctor of the Church is awarded for exceptional contribution to the development of Christian doctrine.
Throughout history, only about three dozen figures have been awarded this title, including Augustine of Hippo, Francis de Sales, and Teresa of Avila.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, who campaigned for Newman's recognition, said: “This decision confirms that the saint's writings represent the true essence of Church teaching, inspiring all who value not only his intellectual legacy but also his holy desire to follow the divine call, which he expressed in the words 'heart to heart'.”
Experts stress the importance of including the British thinker in this elite circle, given his contribution to the Christian concept of conscience, enlightenment and the search for truth, as well as his ability to unite believers of different views.
Jack Valero, who helped organize Newman's beatification (2010) and canonization (2019) ceremonies, noted that the theologian's figure has never caused controversy.
Valero added that while Newman previously served as a bridge between different currents within the Church, today his role is especially relevant for a pontiff who has made unity a key goal of his ministry.
“Listening to Pope Leo’s speeches about the need for unity and peace, I see in him a man capable of bringing these ideas to life,” he shared in a conversation with journalists.
The first American-born pope vowed during his enthronement on May 18 to promote church unity as the basis for peace in the face of global upheaval.
The call for agreement comes after a period of tension caused by the reforms of Francis' pontificate.
Leo XIV repeatedly emphasized his spiritual connection with the Augustinians, who were influenced by the legacy of the ancient theologian.
Many scholars draw parallels between St. Augustine and Newman, calling the latter a “modern Augustinian.”
The historic schism between Anglicans and Rome occurred in 1534 after the Pope refused to recognize Henry VIII's divorce.
The following centuries were marked by persecution of Catholics in England, including fines, discrimination and violence.
Newman was at the forefront of the Oxford Movement of the 1830s, which aimed to return the Church of England to its Catholic roots by turning to early Christian practice.
Having given up his bright prospects at Oxford, he devoted his life to the Catholic faith, becoming the author of theological works that synthesized the Anglican experience with Catholic teaching.
The thinker died in 1890 in Britain.
It is noteworthy that the process of Newman's canonization took place in record time.
The beatification took place in 2010 under Benedict XVI during his visit to the UK, and the canonization in 2019 was carried out by Francis in the presence of the future monarch.
During his reign, Francis has declared two new Doctors of the Church, while English-speaking bishops have lobbied hard to include Newman on the list.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
