Who Should Be Considered the Next Doctor of the Church?

Thirty-six men and women were given the title of Doctor of the Church. We’re close to 40, yes. How often have we made predictions on who could be next to obtain this title?

Here are four saints or soon to be that should be considered for the title.

St. John Henry Newman

The convert of the Anglican church can be an interesting pick for the elite title. He delivered nine lectures and wrote works defending the church. He has time and time again defended the Catholics in England who have been under siege by the Protestant Reformation since the mid-16th Century.

St. John Paul the Great

The beloved son of Poland makes the list of consideration. He has defended the church against the culture of death since becoming a priest.

One big contribution he made was the Theology of the Body. This is now being implemented by many theologians and has seen many books written about this work.

Pope Benedict XVI

The late pope has written many theological books that is worthy of consideration. Yes, there is no formal cause yet, but it doesn’t hurt to make an early bid.

This beloved German clergyman has defended the faith and even traditional liturgy (Traditional Latin Mass) in his eight short years of his papacy.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen

The beloved American bishop should strongly be considered. Time after time, he has stood against communism.

Many of his provocative writings also has paved way for him to earn this potential title. He defended the sacraments, sanctity of marriage, and even liberty.

Dark Horse- St. Edith Stein

The convert of Judaism can make a strong case for another woman to earn this title. It would be fitting to include this German philosopher in these discussions because she read the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila in one night.

One contribution she made was the translation of the diaries and letters of St. John Henry Newman and even St. Thomas Aquinas Quaestiones Disputatae de Veritate. She was successful in combining faith and scholarship. She also had a love of philosophy through her work and teaching.

It will be interesting to see who will become the next doctor of the church. This will be talked about for years to come.