POPE Francis has cleared the way for the canonisation of educationalist Cardinal John Henry Newman.
The Victorian theologian and poet cleared the last hurdle to sainthood after the Pope attributed to him the miraculous saving of an unborn child's life.
The Catholic philosopher, who died in 1890, will be canonised at a Vatican ceremony this year, becoming the first English non-martyr since the Reformation to be made a saint.
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales welcomed the news.
"Newman’s exploration of faith, depth of personal courage, intellectual clarity and cultural sensitivity make him a deeply admired follower of Christ," he said.
"He brings together so many of the best of Catholic traditions shared well beyond the Catholic Church.
"For me the truly remarkable nature of this moment is that this is an English parish priest being declared a saint."
