These women stand strong among the most influential saints in the Church’s 2,000-year history

Beginning in the 13th century, popes began pointing out specific saints who were exemplary teachers in various theological or spiritual topics. These holy men and women were given the official title of “Doctor,” which stems from the Latin root word docere, meaning “to teach.”

The list is relatively small compared to the number of saints in the Church. Only 37 saints have been declared “Doctor,” with four of them being women. These women are considered highly influential figures in the history of the Church and their legacy lives on today in the countless men and women who are inspired by their example and teachings.