Consider Fulton Sheen and Pope Benedict XVI for Doctor of the Church Too

On November 1st, the Catholic Church elevated St. John Henry Newman to Doctor of the Church. Well deserved. As Daniel 12:3 points out: “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”

Lately, the Vatican released 23 Saints who could potentially be declared Doctors of the Church. No doubt they are eager to have 40 total by the next papacy, but who can see into the future? There are plenty of promising names on the list. Yet, two names were left out that should be included.

 
Pope Benedict XVI

 
The German Shepherd has written countless books and essays on church teachings. He even defended tradition and the Tridentine Latin Mass. His work covers a wide range of theological, philosophical, and historical topics, focusing on faith, reason, and the role of the Church in the modern world.  

 
Fulton Sheen

St. John Paul the Great revered Fulton Sheen as the “true son of the church”. It was his preaching and writings that will echo for centuries to come. He spoke against communism, socialism, and even secularism, which were all on the rise in the 20th Century throughout the world. Meanwhile, his canonization was stalled due to gross misconduct by the Diocese of Rochester, which halted progress over a false accusation.

If the Vatican wants to be consistent, then these two faithful shepherds should be considered.