How are doctors of the Church chosen? Here's a look at the process before Newman declaration
Top Stories
20251027T1158 DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH EXPLAINER 1806815_t1100
Sts. Thomas Aquinas, John Henry Newman, Thérèse of Lisieux and Augustine of Hippo are pictured in a combination photo. Pope Leo XIV will proclaim St. John Henry Newman a doctor of the church on Nov. 1, 2025. (OSV News files/Nancy Wiechec, Crosiers, Carmel de Lisieux) (Nancy Wiechec, Crosiers, Carmel de Lisieux)

How are doctors of the Church chosen? Here’s a look at the process before Newman declaration

OSV News – With Pope Leo XIV set to proclaim of St. John Henry Newman as a doctor of the Church Nov. 1, let's consider what criterion is used to make this decision, whether a layperson could be named a doctor and what sort of writings Church doctors must have produced to be given this…...