By Sunny A. David, Awka

St John Henry Newman, canonised in 2019 by Pope Francis, has been granted one of the Catholic Church’s highest recognitions the title of Doctor of the Church.

This decision, announced by Pope Francis’ successor, Pope Leo XIV, marks Newman as the first English saint to receive the honour since the Forty Martyrs, who were executed under Reformation laws in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The title of Doctor of the Church is reserved for saints whose teachings have made an “outstanding or eminent contribution to our knowledge of the faith,” according to the Catholic Church of England and Wales.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, expressed his joy at the announcement.

“This recognition that the writings of St John Henry Newman are a true expression of the faith of the Church is of huge encouragement to all who appreciate not only his great learning but also his heroic sanctity in following the call of God in his journey of faith, which he described as ‘heart speaking unto heart’,” he said.

Sister Mary-Birgit of the Littlemore community, where Newman once lived, said the honour had strengthened their mission.

“We have seen a growing interest in Newman and we can testify that his life and words are a great help for people worldwide. As Newman did, we desire that people grow in faith, and we trust that his influence will only increase through this recognition. Oxfordians can be proud of his legacy,” she added.

The Vatican has not yet announced the date for the official ceremony.