One of the most important English-speaking Roman Catholic theologians from the 19th Century, John Henry Newman was an Anglican before he converted to Catholicism. Born in London, he was always interested in religion, committing himself to a life of celibacy and faith at the young age of 15. He studied at Trinity College, Oxford, and went on to become the vicar at the university church, 'St. Mary's’. A founder of the Oxford Movement, John Henry Newman studied historical research, and, believing the Roman Catholic Church to be the closest to the Church established by Jesus, he joined the Catholicism. Abandoned by his family after this, Newman nevertheless continued along his chosen path, founding Oratory houses in London, establishing a Catholic university in Ireland, translating the Bible into English, and giving lectures like the 'Idea of a University'. A writer of well-received theological works, John Henry Newman is the author of around 40 books and 21,000 letters. His contributions to both the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church were enormous; not only did he wield tremendous influence over both institutions, his scriptures and writings helped Catholics reconcile with the new critical way of thinking, and were responsible for reducing prejudices of the English public towards Catholic priests. He died in 1890, and was canonised as a saint in 2019.