Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV is set to formally designate St. John Henry Newman as a patron saint of Catholic education in a historic declaration to be published on October 28, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Gravissimum Educationis, the Second Vatican Council’s landmark declaration on Christian education. This announcement underscores Newman’s enduring influence as a philosopher, theologian, and educator.
The pontiff will name Newman as an official co-patron of education alongside St. Thomas Aquinas during the Vatican’s Jubilee of the World of Education, scheduled from October 27 to November 1. The week-long jubilee is expected to attract 20,000 pilgrims from around the globe. At the closing Mass on November 1, the solemnity of All Saints, Newman will also be declared the 38th Doctor of the Church, recognizing his profound theological contributions.
Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, highlighted Newman’s exemplary role in education at an October 22 press conference. He described the saint as “an extraordinary educator and a great inspiration for the philosophy of education,” emphasizing Newman’s ability to bridge faith, reason, and learning.
In addition to Newman’s designation, Pope Leo XIV will release a document on October 28 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Gravissimum Educationis. According to Cardinal de Mendonça, the text will reflect on the declaration’s contemporary relevance, exploring the pressing challenges faced by Catholic schools, universities, and educational communities today. The cardinal noted that the Vatican II document revolutionized the Church’s approach to education, shifting the focus from mere institutional structures to dynamic educational communities.
The pope’s forthcoming document praises Gravissimum Educationis for retaining its vitality over six decades, describing the work as a “spiritual and pedagogical heritage capable of crossing the 21st century and responding to the most pressing challenges.” The text emphasizes the Church’s ongoing responsibility to not only preserve educational traditions but also to actively “relaunch” them in response to rapid societal and cultural changes that increasingly affect children, adolescents, and young adults.
Pope Leo XIV calls upon all educational institutions to engage deeply with new generations, integrating knowledge, meaning, competence, responsibility, faith, and life into a holistic educational experience. The Vatican reports that there are currently 230,000 Catholic schools and universities in 171 countries, serving nearly 72 million students worldwide, underscoring the global impact of Catholic education and the significance of Newman’s designation.
This historic announcement marks a milestone in the Church’s commitment to educational excellence and the ongoing promotion of faith-based intellectual formation, placing Newman alongside Thomas Aquinas as a guiding light for educators and students alike.