VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV will officially declare John Henry Newman, the 19th-century English priest and convert to Catholicism, as a Doctor of the Church, a rare honor bestowed on only 38 individuals to date, the Vatican announced Thursday.

Newman, originally from London, was canonized in 2019 by the late Pope Francis. The title of Doctor of the Church is reserved exclusively for saints recognized for their significant theological contributions.

In a formal statement, the Vatican confirmed that Pope Leo XIV had "affirmed the positive assessment" from bishops regarding Newman receiving this distinguished title.

During Newman’s canonization ceremony in 2019, then-Prince Charles, now King Charles III, led the British delegation in paying tribute to the newly declared saint.

Born in 1801, Newman initially sought to reform the Anglican Church but ultimately concluded that Catholicism represented the true faith, leading to his conversion at age 44. He was a key figure in founding the Oxford Movement, aimed at renewing the Church of England.

John Henry Newman passed away in 1890, leaving a lasting impact on religious thought and ecumenical dialogue.