A Doctor of the Church is a saint whose teachings have made an extraordinary impact on Catholic thought, deepening our understanding of the Faith.
To receive this title, a saint must meet three criteria:
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Their teachings must be theologically sound and beneficial to the Church.
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They must have shown remarkable holiness of life.
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They must be officially proclaimed a Doctor by the pope or an ecumenical council.
In other words, Doctors of the Church aren’t just smart—they’re holy. Their wisdom is paired with deep love for Christ and His Church.
The very first four Doctors—St. Ambrose, St. Jerome, St. Augustine, and St. Gregory the Great—were declared in the 13th century by Pope Boniface VIII. Later, two remarkable women joined their ranks: St. Teresa of Ávila and St. Catherine of Siena, named in 1970 by Pope Paul VI.
Today there are 37 Doctors of the Church… and the list is about to grow.
This November, St. John Henry Newman—the brilliant convert, writer, and theologian—will officially become the newest Doctor of the Church. Newman’s life and writings have inspired countless Catholics to seek truth with both faith and reason, showing that intellect and holiness belong together.
Want to learn more about this extraordinary saint?
Discover the inspiring story of his conversion, courage, and sanctity in John Henry Newman: A Life Sacrificed — a powerful biography that reveals how Newman’s lifelong search for truth led him home to the Catholic Church.
Celebrate the Church’s newest Doctor and dive deeper into his remarkable journey.
Order your copy today from The Catholic Company!
