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This week in Christian history: Catholic Church declares first woman 'doctor;' Peace of Augsburg signed

By Michael Gryboski, Editor

Pope declares first woman to be 'doctor of the Church' — Sept. 27, 1970

Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582)
Teresa of Ávila (1515-1582) | Wikimedia Commons

This week marks the anniversary of the first time the Roman Catholic Church officially declared a woman to be a doctor of the Church.

At a ceremony held at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Pope Paul VI bestowed the title upon 16th-century mystic St. Teresa of Ávila, with St. Catherine of Siena receiving the honor shortly after.

"The requirements for a saint to be counted among the doctors of the church are eminent learning, heroic sanctity and unquestioned renown," explained a contemporary New York Times report of the ceremony.

"Thirty male saints, from St. Augustine to St. Anthony of Padua, are considered doctors of the church, a title that can be conferred by a Pope or by a General Council."

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