Franciscan University of Steubenville philosophy professor Dr. Logan Gage will attend a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on November 1, where Pope Leo XIV is set to declare St. John Henry Newman a Doctor of the Universal Church. Gage is among a group of scholars recognized for their work in supporting Newman’s elevation.

“I was humbled to be asked to join this esteemed group of scholars who petitioned the Vatican to confer the title ‘Doctor of the Universal Church’ upon St. John Henry Newman,” said Gage. “The ability to witness the pope confer this title is not only a monumental moment for the Church but also a personal honor that I will cherish. I am so grateful for this opportunity.”

St. John Henry Newman, an influential English religious figure, began as an Anglican priest and leader of the Oxford Movement before converting to Catholicism and becoming a cardinal. He was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010 and canonized by Pope Francis in 2019.

Gage worked with an international team assembled by the National Institute for Newman Studies (NINS) to contribute to the Positio, which is the official document presented to the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints and shared with bishops as part of Pope Leo XIV’s consultation process.

“My co-author, Dr. Frederick Aquino of Southern Methodist University, and I were asked to write the chapter on Newman’s philosophy of faith and reason,” Gage explained. “Writing on Newman over the last several years has deepened my appreciation for his contributions to faith and reason, the importance of conscience, liberal education, and the development of doctrine.”

Their contribution was included in materials submitted to support Newman’s cause. The decision by Pope Leo XIV acknowledges Newman’s impact on theology and philosophy, particularly regarding faith, reason, and doctrinal development.

“Newman’s key contribution was to recognize that our everyday certitudes—such as that Great Britain is an island or that one day we will die—don’t stem from proofs or syllogistic arguments,” said Gage. “Instead, certitude is built up from numerous lines of converging and convincing evidence. Religious belief is often rational, since we often have good reasons for our belief, even if we aren’t always skilled in articulating them.”

Gage further commented that Newman “walked a middle ground between those who think we don’t need reasons for religious belief and those who think we can mathematically prove them.” He added that according to Newman, “Our confidence in faith is warranted not by a single proof, but by the harmony of many reasons—answers to prayer, historical evidence, beauty, and the witness of the saints—all converging on truth.”

Gage and Aquino have published scholarly work on Newman’s epistemology and are currently writing a book with Cambridge University Press on this subject. The scholars involved with preparing materials for Newman’s recognition will also participate in an academic conference in Rome during events surrounding the Mass.

Franciscan University President Father Dave Pivonka praised Gage's efforts: “Dr. Gage’s contributions reflect the kind of intellectual rigor and faithfulness that are hallmarks of Franciscan University,” Father Pivonka said. “To have one of our faculty members play a role in helping the Holy Father recognize St. John Henry Newman as a Doctor of the Church is a tremendous honor.”