Saint Irenaeus of Lyon, who came from the East, exercised his episcopal ministry in the West: he was a spiritual and theological bridge between Eastern and Western Christians. His name, Irenaeus, expresses that peace which comes from the Lord and which reconciles, restoring unity. For these reasons, having obtained the opinion of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, with my Apostolic Authority I

DECLARE

him a Doctor of the Church with the title of Doctor unitatis.

May the teaching of this great Master increasingly encourage the journey of all the Lord's disciples towards full communion.

From the Vatican, 21 January 2022

FRANCIS