Holy Smoke: how has John Henry Newman inspired Pope Leo XIV?

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🗓️ 10 August 2025

⏱️ 32 minutes

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Summary

St John Henry Newman (1801-90) is perhaps the most influential theologian in the history of English Christianity. Yet, as Damian Thompson discusses with Fr Rod Strange – one of the world’s leading authorities on Newman – he was a divisive figure, though perhaps not in the way one might imagine. One of the founders of the Oxford Movement, Newman was widely acknowledged as the most gifted intellectual in the Church of England. In 1845 he converted to Rome and was eventually made a cardinal. Thus he had a unique viewpoint on Church doctrine and dogma. But what is Newman’s significance today? Although he is universally celebrated, conservative and liberal Christians, and especially Catholics, are still fighting over his legacy.

Newman was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI, canonised by Pope Francis, and Pope Leo XIV has now announced that he will be given the title Doctor of the Church, an honour granted to only 38 out of over 10,000 saints. What is it about Newman that has inspired Pope Leo? And, coming so soon after his election, what does this decision tell us about Leo’s pontificate?

Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

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0:00.0	Hi guys, it's Sam and Pete from the Staying Red of a Podcasts, and we're sponsored by Gemini, Google's personal AI assistant. Listen to this. You're going to hate this. Hi, Gemini. My co-host, Peter, he's in a bit of a grump. Can you give me some quick ways to cheer him up, please? Of course. You could start by offering him his favourite snack or drink. Maybe tell a funny joke or share a funny meme to lighten the mood. Thank you, Jebedite.
0:01.0	That's actually really good.
0:02.3	How are you feeling, Pete?
0:04.2	Well, I feel better now. funny joke or share a funny meme to lighten the mood. Thank you, Gemini. That's actually really good.
0:21.6	How are you feeling, Pete?
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0:25.6	Download the Gemini app today to unlock the power of Google AI on your phone.
0:30.1	Check responses, compatibility and availability varies 18 plus.
0:46.2	Welcome to Holy Smoke, the Spectator's Religion podcast.
0:48.6	I'm Damien Thompson.
1:00.0	Last month, in the first major decision of his reign, Pope Leo XIV, declared that St. John Henry Newman would become a Doctor of the Church.
1:05.0	He would be the 38th Doctor of the Church out of more than 10,000 recognized by the Catholic Church.
1:11.3	And he'll join figures such as St. Augustine, John Chrysostom, Gregory the Great, Thomas of Aquinas,
1:17.5	Treesia Ravala, Theresa Vizier, Gildegard of Bingham.
1:22.4	And as I written an article the other day, he'll be the first native-born English doctoral of the church
1:27.5	since St. Bede, who was born in Northumbary in 672. I am joined today by one of the world's
1:34.8	leading authorities on St. John Henry Newman, Father Rod Strange, author of many books on the
1:42.2	subject and many articles on the subject of John Henry Newman, who did his
1:47.0	doctorate on the subject of Newman at Newman's old college, Oro College, Oxford, whom I first
1:53.5	encountered many, many, many years ago when he was assistant chaplain and then chaplain at Oxford University,
1:59.6	so it's nice to see you again,
2:01.5	father. And I'm keen to ask you this question. Newman, it strikes me, is a divisive,
	...

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