Catherine of Siena
1347 – 1380 · Siena (Italy)
Dominican laywoman, mystic, Doctor of the Church
Awaiting theological review
In one sentence
A laywoman without formal schooling who urged the pope to return to Rome and dictated a classic of mysticism.
Why this person matters
She showed that holiness and courage in the Church do not depend on office.
Historical context
A member of the Dominican lay movement, she cared for the sick in Siena.
Historical context
She urged Pope Gregory XI to return from Avignon to Rome, which he did in 1377.
Why they still matter
Interpretation
In 1970 Paul VI made her, with Teresa of Ávila, one of the first women Doctors of the Church.
Before
- Thomas Aquinas1225 – 1274
Contemporary
- —
After
- Ignatius of Loyola1491 – 1556
- The Dialogue
- Letters
- Historical context
Statements are labelled by source. Early Christian sources are named where known; dates before the 4th century are often approximate.