Doctor of the Church

The Latest

Pilgrims gather in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus on the Solemnity of All Saints, Nov. 1, 2023.

St. Peter Damian, the driving force behind the reform of the Church 1,000 years ago

Feb 21, 2024

By ACI Prensa

This doctor of the Church was simple, firm, and honest in the face of error. Read more

Robin Franssen, 18, of Belgium, is a first-year philosophy student at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Learning from St. Thomas Aquinas, 750 years after his death

Jan 28, 2024

By Bénédicte Cedergren

St. Thomas Aquinas’ immortal thought continues to inspire and enlighten minds of all ages around the world. Read more

John Henry Newman by Sir John Everett Millais.

U.S. bishops express strong support for proposal to name Newman a doctor of the Church

Nov 16, 2023

By Jonah McKeown

Bishop Robert Barron was among several bishops who spoke passionately in support this week of a proposal to name St.... Read more

St. Irenaeus depicted in the apse of Holy Ascension Orthodox Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

How St. Irenaeus helped save the early Church from schism

Jan 24, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis has proclaimed the saint a Doctor of the Church. Read more

St. Irenaeus of Lyon.

Pope Francis declares St. Irenaeus ‘Doctor of Unity’

Jan 21, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The saint is revered by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Read more

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130-202).

It’s official: St. Irenaeus to be declared a Doctor of the Church

Jan 20, 2022

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis is expected to proclaim Irenaeus a ‘Doctor of Unity.’ Read more

Pope John Paul II in 1996.

Could St. John Paul II be declared a Doctor of the Church?

Oct 22, 2021

By CNA Staff

The Polish bishops’ conference made a formal request in 2019. Read more

A stained-glass window by Lucien Bégule depicting St. Irenaeus at the Church of St, Irenaeus in Lyon, France.

Pope Francis to declare St. Irenaeus a Doctor of the Church with title ‘Doctor of Unity’

Oct 7, 2021

By Courtney Mares

St. Irenaeus is revered by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Read more

Pope Francis and St. Teresa of Avila

Pope Francis hails St. Teresa of Ávila as exemplar of courage and spiritual motherhood

Apr 13, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis has hailed St. Teresa of Ávila as exemplar of courage and spiritual motherhood in a letter marking fifty... Read more

A detail from a stained-glass window depicting St. Alphonsus Liguori in Carlow Cathedral, Ireland.

Pope Francis: Doctor of the Church St. Alphonsus Liguori is ‘model of missionary outreach’

Mar 23, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis has marked the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of St. Alphonsus Liguori as a Doctor of the Church... Read more

Pope Francis greets Supreme Armenian Catholicos Karekin II during on Divine Mercy Sunday April 12, 2015.

Touch and be healed by the merciful wounds of Christ, Pope says

Apr 12, 2015

By Elise Harris

In his homily on Divine Mercy Sunday Pope Francis said Jesus’ scars are full of mercy, and encouraged attendees to... Read more

St Gregory of Narek.

Mystic, monk and poet – meet the newest Doctor of the Church

Feb 23, 2015

By Kevin J. Jones, Ann Schneible

St. Gregory of Narek – a tenth century priest, monk, mystic, and poet beloved among Armenian Christians – has become... Read more