The Catholic Church has only named 38 total Doctors of the Church, spanning 2,000 years of Church history.
Beginning in the 13th century, various popes started naming particular saints as "Doctors of the Church." This title is one of the rarest titles a Catholic saint can be given, as only 38 saints have ever been given such a special honor.
When compared to the thousands of saints who have been officially canonized, to be named a Doctor of the Church is indeed a rare appellation.
The official title Doctor stems from the Latin root word docere, meaning "to teach," and signifies men and women who were exemplary teachers in various theological or spiritual topics.
The Catholic Encyclopedia explains that there are three primary criteria for a saint to be named a Doctor of the Church: "eminent learning, a high degree of sanctity, and proclamation by the Church." The process of proclamation is first issued through a decree by the Congregation of Sacred Rites, which is then approved by the pope.
Here is a full list of the 38 saints currently named Doctors of the Church:
