Becoming a Doctor of the Church is about being recognised as a teacher of the Church.
The key features are:
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The person is already a canonised Saint and the Church recognises that they lived a holy life and are in heaven.
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They left behind a body of teaching, writing or spiritual insight that is “eminent” (in Latin, Eminens Doctrina) and enduring for the life of the Church.
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A formal declaration is made by the Pope, usually after review of the candidate’s writings and legacy.
Cause for Doctor of the Church is Opened
Society of Edith Stein
Saint Teresa of Ávila, whose writings deeply influenced Edith Stein’s conversion, is recognized for her teachings on contemplative prayer, mystical theology, and spiritual reform. Edith Stein famously stayed up all night reading The Interior Castle, declaring afterward, “This is the Truth.” Teresa’s works guide the soul toward union with God, integrating experience, theology, and practical spiritual insight, shaping Christian spirituality and Carmelite reform worldwide.
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, known as the Saint of Simplicity and Humility, wrote the “Little Way”, emphasising complete trust in God, small acts of love, and spiritual childhood. Her writings, widely translated, inspired Carmelite reform, modern Catholic devotion, and influenced Popes including John Paul II, who declared her Doctor of the Church in 1997.
The other 2 Women doctors of the Church are , St. Catherine of Siena (Third Order Laity, Dominican) and St. Hildegard of Binge (Benedictine Order).
On 18 April 2024, during a private audience at the Vatican, the Superior General of the Discalced Carmelites, Fr. Miguel Márquez Calle, officially presented to Pope Francis the letters of postulation requesting that Edith Stein (Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross) be declared a Doctor of the Church. With this submission, the process for her possible recognition as “Doctor of the Church” has formally begun.
Join the Society of Edith Stein with prayers for God's will be done in relation to the Saint Teresa Blessed by the Cross being raised to the Dignity of Doctor of the Church.
A Doctor of the Church is a saint whom the Church formally recognises for having contributed in an outstanding way to its theology or spiritual life.
There are 38 Doctors of the Church and only 4 of them are Women. 2 out of the 4 Women Doctors of the Church are also Carmelites like Edith Stein.
Stage 1: Formal Petition Submitted
On April 18, 2024, during a private meeting at the Vatican, Fr. Miguel Márquez Calle, the Superior General of the Discalced Carmelites, gave Pope Francis the formal request to declare Edith Stein (Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross) a Doctor of the Church. This marks the official start of the process to recognize her as a "Doctor of the Church."
Stage 2: Documentation & Commission Preparation
Since 2022, the Discalced Carmelites have operated an international commission to assemble the full dossier required by the Vatican: compiling Edith Stein’s writings, the historical context of her life (including her philosophy work, conversion, Carmelite vocation, suffering and martyrdom), testimonies to her spiritual doctrine, and evidence of the lasting impact of her intellectual and theological legacy. This phase ensures that the criterion known as Eminens Doctrina (eminent teaching) can be assessed.
Stage 3: Evaluation by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints
Following the petition, the case is now in the hands of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
This Vatican body will:
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Review the candidate’s life, writings, and doctrinal contribution;
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Determine whether Edith Stein’s work meets the criteria for Eminens Doctrina — i.e., that her theological or spiritual teaching is outstanding, enduring and beneficial to the Church;
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Make a recommendation to the Pope on whether Doctor of the Church should be granted.
Stage 4: Papal Declaration
Once the Dicastery issues a favourable recommendation, the Pope has the authority to proclaim Edith Stein as a Doctor of the Church. This formal proclamation confers the title officially and recognises her as a teacher of the Church whose writings and life are exemplary.
Stage 5: Announcement & Liturgical Integration After Proclamation
The title becomes part of Church documents, liturgical calendars, theological reference works, and educational materials. Edith Stein’s writings and teachings would receive increased attention within Church teaching, seminaries, and Carmelite spirituality. Her status as Doctor of the Church would be publicly celebrated and commemorated, helping the faithful to engage with her example and legacy.
Timeframes & Outlook
There is no fixed timeline published for a cause of this kind on each case proceeds at its own pace according to the complexity of documentation, evaluation, and papal scheduling.
Because the case for Edith Stein is well advanced (petition submitted, commission active, documentation in preparation) many observers consider a time-horizon of several years plausible (often speculated as perhaps 3–10 years) though this remains tentative and cannot be guaranteed.
The momentum behind the cause is strong, which supports a hopeful outlook and but the Church emphasises thoroughness, meaning the path remains careful and deliberate.
