Pope to Declare Spanish Saint "Doctor of the Church"

Benedict drew sustained applause from the seminarians, priests, bishops and cardinals gathered in Madrid's main cathedral when he announced that he would "soon" declare St. John of Avila a doctor of the church. Such a title is reserved for those churchmen and women whose writings have greatly served the universal church.

There are currently 33 such doctors, including St. Augustine, St. Francis de Sales and St. Teresa of Avila. Pope John Paul II added St. Therese of Lisieux to the list in 1997, the last time one was proclaimed.

St. John of Avila, who lived from 1500-1569, is the patron saint of Spain'sdiocesan clergy and was considered one of the greatest preachers of his time. In announcing his decision, Benedict appeared to be giving the priesthood—tarnished by the clerical sex abuse scandal—a model of holiness, intellectual rigor and piety.

"In making this announcement here, I would hope that the word and the example of this outstanding pastor will enlighten all priests and those who look forward to the day of their priestly ordination," Benedict said.

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