Witnessing History: Newman Declared Doctor of the Church at Papal Mass

On 01 November 2025, All Saints Day, Pope Leo XIV declared St. John Henry Newman the 38th Doctor of the Universal Church and co-patron of Catholic Education. The National Institute for Newman Studies was honored to have been invited to the papal mass and other events surrounding the occasion, including an academic symposium at the Pontifical Gregorian University, a formal reception following the Papal Mass, and a Thanksgiving Mass in the chapel at the Venerable English College. 

International Symposium at the Pontifical Gregorian University

On the eve of Newman’s proclamation as Doctor of the Universal Church and designation as co-patron of education, the Pontifical Gregorian University, in conjunction with the International Center of Friends of Newman, the De Nicola Centre for Ethics and Culture at Notre Dame, and the National Institute of Newman Studies, hosted an academic symposium entitled “Saint John Henry Newman Doctor of the Universal Church: His Relevance Today.” This symposium featured Newman scholars from around the globe, each of whom presented on Newman-related topics including: Newman and the Church Fathers, the birth of ecclesiology, themes of the development of doctrine and creative fidelity, and Newman’s teachings on specific themes presented in the Positio. National Institute for Newman Studies staff—including Dr. Christopher Cimorelli, Dr. Kenneth Parker, and Dr. Elizabeth Huddleston—each presented during the afternoon sessions of this symposium. It was truly an honor to participate in this event and to engage with so many international colleagues. 

Preparing for the Papal Mass

The day before the Mass for All Saints, Dr. Christopher Cimorelli, Dr. Elizabeth Huddleston, and Angela Baker went behind the scenes of St. Peter’s Square to prepare for Newman’s designation as Doctor of the Universal Church at the Papal Mass. There they met with the postulator for the cause, Fr. George Bowen, and rehearsed the presentation of the gifts for the Mass.

The Papal Mass at St. Peter’s Square

On 01 November 2025, Dr. Christopher Cimorelli, Director of NINS, and Dr. Elizabeth Huddleston, Head of Research and Publications, presented Pope Leo XIV with an icon of St. John Henry Newman on behalf of NINS and the contributors to the Positio. They were then seated at the altar for the papal mass. The remaining National Institute for Newman Studies staff and colleagues were seated in front of the altar at St. Peter’s Square for the Mass. We excitedly watched as Cardinal Marcello Semeraro presented St. John Henry Newman for the title Doctor of the Church to Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo XIV’s homily, which can be read on the Dicastery for Communication website, quoted Newman’s “Lead Kindly Light” and acknowledged Newman’s contributions to the Church’s educational mission by naming him co-patron of education alongside St. Thomas Aquinas. At the Offertory, Dr. Christopher Cimorelli and Dr. Elizabeth Huddleston presented Pope Leo XIV with gifts of bread and wine for the sacrifice of the Mass. One of the most striking parts of this mass was the universality of the Catholic Church conveyed through the rich use of diverse languages throughout the liturgy. Each intention of the universal prayer was presented in a different language. It was inspiring to be seated amongst thousands of people from around the world who came to worship together and witness the conferral of the title Doctor of the Church on Newman.

The full recorded liturgy can be seen on the Vatican News YouTube.

The Reception at Collegio Urbano

After the mass, NINS staff and the Positio contributors were invited to a reception at the Collegio Urbano to celebrate St. John Henry Newman, the 38th Doctor of the Church. There, we dined with cardinals, priests, and scholars who were involved in Newman’s cause. It was a joyous celebration. 

On All Souls Day, NINS staff and the Positio contributors celebrated Newman’s new title at the Venerable English College with Mass and a brief tour. Fr. George Bowen presented the Venerable English College rector, Fr. Stephen Wang, with a copy of the Positio. Following Mass at the college, there was a brief presentation on its history and a showing of an original portrait of Newman by Emmeline Deane. The Venerable English College also had a small collection of Newman-related artifacts on display. 

The National Institute for Newman Studies is grateful to have been so involved in the process leading up to the declaration of John Henry Newman as Doctor of the Universal Church, and to have witnessed the completion of their efforts with a celebration in Rome. This once-in-a-lifetime event is not one that will be soon forgotten. Saint John Henry Newman, pray for us. 

All images © National Institute for Newman Studies. Courtesy of Angela Baker. All rights reserved.