Why St. John Henry Newman Matters Now: The Church’s Newest Doctor

Robert Royal reports from St. Peter’s Square on the historic day Pope Leo declares St. John Henry Newman the 38th Doctor of the Church. Amid the celebrations on All Saints’ Day, Royal reflects on Newman’s growing influence among the faithful before introducing a conversation with Fr. Richard Smith of the Archdiocese of New York. Together they explore Newman’s lasting contributions to Catholic thought—his vision of conscience as the voice of God, his harmony of faith and reason, and his insight into the development of doctrine. The discussion concludes with Newman’s role as co-patron of Catholic education alongside St. Thomas Aquinas.