10 Most Influential Catholic Lawyers and Scholars

Published in

Heritage Digest

13 min readAug 18, 2024

The Catholic Church has been a significant force in shaping legal thought and practice throughout history. This article highlights ten of the most influential Catholic lawyers whose contributions to law and justice have left an indelible mark on society. Their dedication to their faith and profession has inspired many and changed the course of legal history.

Thomas More (1478–1535)
Francisco Suárez (1548–1617)
Bartolomé de las Casas (1484–1566)
Alphonsus Liguori (1696–1787)
Robert Bellarmine (1542–1621)
Charles Borromeo (1538–1584)
Juan de Torquemada (1388–1468)
Giovanni Battista de Luca (1614–1683)
Matteo Ripa (1682–1746)
Ferdinando Maria Saluzzo (1744–1816)

1. Thomas More (1478–1535)

Thomas More, born in London on February 7, 1478, was the son of Sir John More, a successful lawyer who later became a judge, and his wife Agnes. Raised in a family deeply rooted in the legal profession, More’s upbringing was marked by a rigorous emphasis on education and intellectual development. His father’s influence undoubtedly shaped his early interest in law and justice.

More’s education began at St. Anthony’s School, one of London’s finest, laying the foundation for his profound legal and philosophical understanding. His academic journey continued at the University of Oxford, where he studied under prominent scholars like Thomas Linacre and William Grocyn. Proficient in Latin and Greek, More left Oxford to begin legal training in London, a decision driven by his father’s insistence on a career in law. His legal education at New Inn and Lincoln’s Inn culminated in his call to the Bar in 1502, setting the stage for a distinguished legal career.

More’s legal acumen and humanist philosophy came to the fore during his tenure as Lord High Chancellor of England. A keen sense of equity, fairness, and moral integrity marked his major contributions to law and governance. More’s opposition to the Protestant Reformation and his refusal to acknowledge Henry VIII’s supremacy over the Church of England were rooted in his deep legal and religious convictions. His trial and execution on July 6, 1535, under what he claimed was false evidence for treason, highlight his commitment to legal principles and the supremacy of conscience over temporal authority. His martyrdom and subsequent canonization by Pope Pius XI in 1935 underscore the enduring impact of his legal and moral philosophy.

2. Francisco Suárez (1548–1617)

Francisco Suárez, born on January 5, 1548, in Granada, Andalusia, was the youngest son of Gaspar Suárez de Toledo, a lawyer, and Antonia Vázquez de Utiel. His early education, influenced by his father’s profession and possibly a converso (Jewish converted to Christianity) background, set the stage for his later achievements in law and theology. At age 10, Suárez began his studies, leading to his matriculation at the University of Salamanca in 1561, where he initially studied law.

Suárez’s legal and theological journey continued as he entered the Society of Jesus in Salamanca at 16. Despite initial academic struggles, including failing the entrance exam twice, he persevered and passed on his third attempt, marking a turning point in his educational pursuits. He was ordained in 1572 and began teaching philosophy and theology in various institutions, including Salamanca, Segovia, Valladolid, Rome, Alcalá, and Coimbra. His tenure at these institutions significantly developed his legal and theological ideas.

Suárez’s most notable contributions were in the realms of metaphysics and law. He was a prominent figure in the School of Salamanca movement, and his work marked a crucial transition in second scholasticism. His Disputationes metaphysicae profoundly influenced European thought in the 17th century. As a theologian and philosopher, Suárez was renowned for his deep analysis of the nature of law and the state, significantly impacting the development of international law. He passed away on September 25, 1617, in Lisbon or Coimbra, Portugal, leaving a legacy that inspired great thinkers like Grotius, Descartes, and Leibniz.

3. Bartolomé de las Casas (1484–1566)

Bartolomé de las Casas was born in Seville, Spain, on November 11, 1484, into a family with a merchant father, Pedro de las Casas. He grew up in an era marked by the Spanish exploration of the Americas. His education, possibly at Salamanca, equipped him with the theological and legal acumen that would later define his advocacy. Las Casas witnessed Christopher Columbus’ return in 1493, undoubtedly influencing his perspectives on colonial exploits.

In 1502, Las Casas moved to Hispaniola with his family, where he initially participated in the exploitation of native populations. He became a priest in 1507, and his encounter with the Dominican friars in 1510, particularly their condemnation of Spanish brutality, deeply impacted him. This led to a profound transformation; by 1515, he renounced his encomienda, advocating for the rights of indigenous peoples at Charles V’s court. His early works proposed alternatives to native enslavement, reflecting a legalistic approach to reform.

Las Casas’s major achievements were rooted in his relentless advocacy for native rights. In 1542, his efforts contributed to enacting the New Laws, which reformed the encomienda system. Appointed as the Bishop of Chiapas, he continued his advocacy, often clashing with colonial authorities over his pro-native policies. His participation in the Valladolid debate (1550–1551) against Juan Ginés de Sepúlveda was pivotal in arguing for the humanity of indigenous peoples. Las Casas passed away on July 18, 1566, in Madrid, leaving behind a complex legacy as a staunch defender of indigenous rights within the legal frameworks of his time.

4. Alphonsus Liguori (1696–1787)

Alphonsus Liguori, born on September 27, 1696, in Marianella near Naples, was the eldest of seven children of Giuseppe Liguori, a Captain in the Royal Galleys, and Anna Maria Caterina Cavalieri. His noble but impoverished family ensured he received a robust education despite his myopia and chronic asthma, which made a military career impractical. Instead, he pursued law, influenced by his father’s wishes, and showed remarkable aptitude. Liguori earned a civil and canon law doctorate from the University of Naples at the prodigious age of 16, overcoming his physical limitations to excel academically.

As a young lawyer, Alphonsus quickly gained a reputation for his skill and integrity. However, the pressures and ethical dilemmas of the legal profession weighed heavily on him. His decision to leave law at 27 followed a profound personal and spiritual crisis, compounded by losing an important case — his first loss in eight years of practice. This experience and an internal calling led him to the priesthood, a path that diverged significantly from his legal career. His work with the marginalized and poor in Naples marked the beginning of his deep commitment to social and spiritual service.

Alphonsus Liguori’s contributions to theology and the Church are significant. His founding of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer in 1732 aimed at preaching and ministering to the poorest and most abandoned. As Bishop of Sant’Agata dei Goti from 1762, he implemented reforms and wrote extensively, including his influential “Moral Theology”. His dedication to pastoral care, especially confession, and his theological writings earned him canonization and recognition as a Doctor of the Church. He died on August 1, 1787, leaving a legacy as a compassionate priest, moral theologian, and reformer.

5. Robert Bellarmine (1542–1621)

Robert Bellarmine, born in Montepulciano on October 4, 1542, came from a noble but impoverished family. His parents, Vincenzo Bellarmino and Cinzia Cervini, the sister of Pope Marcellus II, nurtured his early education. He was a bright child known for memorizing Virgil and composing poems in both Italian and Latin. Despite the family’s limited means, his intellectual prowess was evident from his early years.

Bellarmine’s education was deeply rooted in theology and classical languages. He entered the Jesuit novitiate in Rome in 1560 and later studied Greek in Mondovì, Piedmont. Recognized for his talents, he was sent to the University of Padua for systematic theological studies and later to the University of Leuven in Brabant. Here, Bellarmine made a name for himself as a professor and preacher, delving deeply into Thomas Aquinas’s works and engaging in theological controversies, notably grace and free will.

Bellarmine’s most significant contributions were in the field of theology, particularly during the Counter-Reformation. He was a theology professor and became the Roman College's rector. His defense of the reform decrees of the Council of Trent and his extensive writings, including the “De Controversias,” marked him as a key figure in the Catholic Church. Bellarmine also played notable roles in the Giordano Bruno affair and the Galileo case, showcasing his influence in the theological and scientific discourse of the time. He died on September 17, 1621, leaving a legacy as a prominent Jesuit theologian and cardinal.

6. Charles Borromeo (1538–1584)

Charles Borromeo, born into the noble and affluent Borromeo family in Lombardy on October 2, 1538, had a privileged upbringing. His father, Gilbert, was the Count of Arona, and his mother, Margaret, belonged to the influential Milan branch of the Medici family. Charles grew up in the castle of Arona, near Milan, the second of six children, demonstrating a strong inclination towards spiritual and religious life early on.

Borromeo’s education was fitting for someone of his noble status. He received the tonsure at around twelve years old, symbolizing his dedication to a clerical life. His education at the University of Pavia was thorough, focusing on civil and canon law. Despite a speech impediment, Borromeo excelled in his studies, obtaining a doctorate in both canon and civil law at an impressively young age. His father’s death in 1554 necessitated a brief return to manage family affairs, but he soon resumed and completed his education.

Charles Borromeo’s most significant contributions came after his uncle, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Medici, was elected Pope Pius IV. Borromeo was summoned to Rome, made a cardinal, and given substantial responsibilities, including supervising various religious orders and government involvement. He played a crucial role in the final session of the Council of Trent and the creation of the Tridentine Catechism. As the Archbishop of Milan, a position he held from 1564 until he died in 1584, Borromeo was instrumental in implementing the reforms of the Council of Trent. He founded seminaries for priestly education, enforced clerical discipline, and was dedicated to caring for the needy, particularly during the famine and plague in Milan. His enduring legacy is as a pivotal figure of the Counter-Reformation and a reformer of the Catholic Church.

7. Juan de Torquemada (1388–1468)

Juan de Torquemada, a distinguished Spanish ecclesiastic of the 15th century, was born in Valladolid, Spain, in 1388. Despite often-cited converso origins, a detailed study of his lineage found no evidence of Jewish converts in his family. From an early age, he joined the Dominican Order and showed exceptional devotion and scholarship. Torquemada attended the University of Paris, where he earned a doctorate in theology in 1423. His academic excellence and religious devotion were evident from his student days, setting a solid foundation for his future endeavors.

Torquemada’s career was marked by his significant contributions to the Catholic Church, particularly at the Council of Basel, where he represented the Dominican Order and the King of Castile. As a staunch defender of papal authority, he played a crucial role in supporting Pope Eugene IV against the conciliarist movement. His loyalty and service to the Papacy were rewarded with the prestigious position of Master of the Sacred Palace in 1435 and later elevated to a cardinal in 1439. Torquemada’s defense of papal primacy was a consistent theme throughout his career, notably in his writings, including a defense against the Hussites and conciliarists in his “Summa de ecclesia.”

A significant episode in Torquemada’s life was his staunch defense of Jewish conversos during Toledo's social and legal turmoil in 1449. His influence led Pope Nicholas V to issue a bull condemning discrimination against conversos, demonstrating Torquemada’s commitment to justice and equality. His writings, particularly his “sharp and relentless” theological attack on the discriminators of conversos, highlight his role as a legal and moral advocate within the Church. Torquemada’s legacy as a defender of conversos, despite the subsequent actions of his nephew, Tomás de Torquemada, as the Grand Inquisitor, remains a notable aspect of his life’s work. He died in Rome on September 26, 1468, leaving a legacy as a learned cardinal and a defender of faith and justice.

8. Giovanni Battista de Luca (1614–1683)

Giovanni Battista de Luca, born in 1614 in Venosa, Basilicata, came from humble beginnings. His early life in Southern Italy set the stage for his remarkable journey into the world of law and ecclesiastical affairs. De Luca’s academic prowess emerged during his studies at the University of Naples, one of Italy’s premier centers for legal education at the time. Under the tutelage of Ferdinando Arias de Mesa, a prominent figure from the School of Salamanca, he received a robust education in law, earning his degree in 1635.

After graduating, de Luca embarked on a five-year career as an advocate in Naples. This period shaped his legal expertise and critical understanding of the jus commune system. However, a bout of tuberculosis forced him to return to his hometown, where he served as the bishop’s vicariate. In 1645, de Luca’s journey took him to Rome, where his legal acumen quickly established him as one of Italy’s leading attorneys. His involvement in Rome's cultural and intellectual life, including participation in the Royal Academy founded by Queen Christina of Sweden, further enhanced his stature.

De Luca’s rise to prominence in the Papal States was meteoric. With the support of influential figures like Nicola Herrera and princes like Niccolò Ludovisi, he gained rapid entry into Rome’s elite circles. His close collaboration with Pope Innocent XI saw him play a vital role in reforming the Roman Curia, though not without stirring controversy among the Church’s conservative factions. Pope Innocent XI ordained de Luca as a priest in recognition of his contributions. He appointed him as the first referendary Utriusque Signaturae, auditor of the Sacred Palace, and eventually cardinal in 1681. Giovanni Battista de Luca passed away in Rome on February 5, 1683, leaving a legacy as a cardinal and a preeminent jurist.

9. Matteo Ripa (1682–1746)

Matteo Ripa, born on March 29, 1682, in Eboli, Italy, embarked on a path that intertwined religious zeal with cultural exchange. His early life in the small town of Eboli laid the foundation for his future endeavors. While his family background and upbringing are not extensively documented, Ripa’s later accomplishments suggest a solid educational foundation, likely influenced by the religious and cultural milieu of late 17th-century Italy.

Ripa’s journey as a missionary began with his ordination as a priest and subsequent assignment to China by Propaganda Fide. Arriving in 1711, he served as a painter and copper engraver at the court of the Kangxi Emperor. While in China, Ripa adopted the Chinese name Ma Guoxian and immersed himself in the local culture, art, and traditions. His role at the imperial court was as an artist and a cultural ambassador bridging the gap between East and West.

The most significant achievement of Matteo Ripa was the establishment of the “Collegio dei Cinesi” (Chinese College) in Naples. This initiative began with his return to Europe in 1723, accompanied by four young Chinese Christians and their teacher. Ripa’s vision was to train these youths as priests and send them back to China as missionaries. Despite initial challenges, the college was officially established in 1732, evolving over the centuries into a significant center for Oriental Studies and Sinology in Europe. Today, known as “L’Orientale” University of Naples, it is a testament to Ripa’s enduring legacy in fostering intercultural and academic exchange between Europe and China. Matteo Ripa passed away on his 64th birthday, March 29, 1746, in Naples, leaving behind a unique blend of religious mission and cultural diplomacy.

10. Ferdinando Maria Saluzzo (1744–1816)

Ferdinando Maria Saluzzo, born on November 20, 1744, in Naples, grew up in a period marked by Italy's evolving political and religious landscape. While details of his early life and family background are scant, it is likely that his upbringing in Naples, a significant cultural and intellectual center at the time, played a crucial role in shaping his future career. The environment of Naples during the 18th century, known for its vibrant cultural scene and emerging intellectual thought, would have provided Saluzzo with a rich educational foundation.

Saluzzo’s career was deeply rooted in the Roman Curia, where he held various significant positions, reflecting his expertise and commitment to ecclesiastical matters. His roles included responsibilities within the Congregation of the Consulta, the Congregation of Ecclesiastical Immunities, and the Congregation of Rites. In 1784, he was elected titular Archbishop of Teodosia, then of Carthage, showcasing his rising prominence within the Church hierarchy. His appointment as apostolic nuncio to Poland and later as President of Urbino in 1794 further underscored his diplomatic and administrative capabilities.

Cardinal Saluzzo’s most notable achievement was his elevation to the cardinalate by Pope Pius VII on February 23, 1801. His tenure as camerlengo of the Sacred College from 1803 to 1804 was a testament to his respected status within the Church. However, his career faced challenges during the Napoleonic era, as he was deported to Naples and France and branded as one of the “black cardinals,” restricted from wearing the cardinal’s traditional red attire. Following Napoleon’s fall, Cardinal Saluzzo returned to prominence, serving as the Congregation of Good Governance prefect from 1814 until his death on November 3, 1816, in Rome. His life journey from Naples to the higher echelons of the Roman Catholic Church reflects a blend of religious commitment and navigation through complex political landscapes.