Skip to content

These are the 4 Women Doctors of the Church

From left to right: Generated images (ChatGPT) of Sts. Catherine, Thérèse, and Hildegard inspired by François Gérard, “Teresa of Ávila” (detail, far right), 1827 (photo: Public Domain)
From left to right: Generated images (ChatGPT) of Sts. Catherine, Thérèse, and Hildegard inspired by François Gérard, “Teresa of Ávila” (detail, far right), 1827 (photo: Public Domain)

These are the four women Doctors of the Church: Sts. Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Ávila, and Thérèse of Lisieux.

For centuries, theology was shaped by many voices—most of them male.

And yet the Church recognized four women whose teaching is so profound they have been named Doctors of the Church: Hildegard of Bingen, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Ávila, and Thérèse of Lisieux.

Explore the stories of these women who have illuminated the Church with wisdom.

The Four Women Doctors of the Church

We can bring the Eternal Word to the ends of the earth. Make a donation today to enlighten the world with the light of Christ. 

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp

Andreas Thonhauser

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Rejected dean: Vatican veto questions synodality

He leveled several serious accusations against the Vatican, saying the decision not to make him dean “casts doubt on the

Swiss Guards: Fit for Service

New recruits receive a private audience with Pope Francis and undergo rigorous training to uphold the esteemed legacy of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
Pope Leo XIV listens during a meeting with civil leaders at Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV visits Equatorial Guinea as Africa visit draws to a close

The Holy Father has already visited Algeria, Cameroon, and Angola as part of his papal visit to the

Civiltà Cattolica Appoints First Non-Italian Director

Portuguese Jesuit Nuno Gonçalves Takes Over from Father Antonio Spadaro, Who Becomes Undersecretary for Culture at the Vatican

Mexican bishop: Despite danger, it’s worth the risk to become a priest

González García, the bishop of Saltillo, Mexico, since 2021, recently made the pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee of Seminarians, Bishops, and Priests held June 23–27.

Divine Mercy Feast: Saint Faustina Kowalska and The True Image of the Divine Mercy

Join us on a pilgrimage to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, to explore the origins of Divine Mercy

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com