The Most Famous Saint in the Catholic Church, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the saint you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 27, 2024 07:14

In the Catholic Church, the lives of saints have inspired countless followers through centuries, guiding faith and moral conduct. Gauging which saint holds the most resonance today can provide insights into the values and teachings that currently inspire the faithful around the world. It's a unique opportunity to see which stories of virtue and miraculous deeds are the most influential. By participating in voting for the most famous saint, individuals contribute to a collective recognition of spiritual heritage. This very act of voting not only connects one with a community of believers but also deepens personal exploration of faith. The rankings produced from these votes reveal the saints who continue to touch hearts profoundly in contemporary times.

Who Is the Most Famous Saint in the Catholic Church?

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55
votes

Duccio di Buoninsegna · Public domain

Saint Mary, the Mother of Jesus

Mary is considered the most important saint in the Catholic Church as she is the mother of Jesus Christ. She is the patron saint of many countries and is celebrated on various feast days throughout the year.
2

37
votes
Postdlf · CC BY-SA 3.0

Saint Peter

Peter was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and is considered the first pope of the Catholic Church. He is the patron saint of fishermen and is celebrated on June 29th.
Saint Peter in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous martyr
3

26
votes
Saint Francis of Assisi

Francis is known for his love of nature and his dedication to serving the poor. He founded the Franciscan order and is celebrated on October 4th.
Saint Francis of Assisi in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Italian saint
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Catholic
4

11
votes

Saint Theresa of Avila

Theresa was a Spanish mystic who founded the Discalced Carmelites. She is known for her writings on prayer and is celebrated on October 15th.
5

14
votes
Carlo Crivelli · Public domain

Saint Thomas Aquinas

Aquinas was a theologian and philosopher who wrote extensively on Catholic theology. He is considered one of the most important thinkers in the Catholic Church and is celebrated on January 28th.
Saint Thomas Aquinas in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Catholic
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous priest
6

13
votes
Saint Joan of Arc

Joan was a French heroine who led the French army to several victories during the Hundred Years War. She was burned at the stake for heresy and is celebrated on May 30th.
Saint Joan of Arc, also known as the Maid of Orléans, is one of the most popular female saints in Christian history. She was a French heroine who played a significant role in the Hundred Years' War. Joan claimed to have received divine guidance, which she believed instructed her to support Charles VII as the rightful king of France and help him reclaim his throne from the English. Despite facing numerous challenges and skepticism from within her own ranks, Joan led French forces to several crucial victories before her capture and subsequent trial for heresy. She was ultimately found guilty and burned at the stake, but later exonerated and declared a martyr and a saint by the Catholic Church. Joan of Arc is often praised for her brave and unwavering faith, as well as her determination and military leadership skills.

Birth Year: 1412

Death Year: 1431

Feast Day: May 30

Canonization Date: May 16, 1920

Patronage: France, soldiers, prisoners, martyrs, and more
Saint Joan of Arc in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous martyr
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular female saint
- Position 6 of 10 in Most beautiful female saint
7

13
votes

Marion Paul Baylado · CC BY-SA 3.0

Saint Augustine of Hippo

Augustine was a bishop and theologian who wrote extensively on Christian philosophy. His writings have had a profound impact on Catholic theology and he is celebrated on August 28th.
8

9
votes
Abxbay · CC BY-SA 4.0

Saint Padre Pio

Pio was an Italian friar who is known for his stigmata and his miraculous healings. He is celebrated on September 23rd.
Saint Padre Pio in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Italian saint
9

8
votes
No Swan So Fine · CC BY-SA 4.0

Saint John Paul II

John Paul II was the head of the Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005. He was known for his progressive views on social issues and for his extensive travels. He was canonized in 2014 and is celebrated on October 22nd.
Saint John Paul II in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Catholic
10

12
votes
Saint Therese of Lisieux

Saint Therese of Lisieux

Therese was a French nun who is known for her "little way" of spirituality, which emphasizes humility and simplicity. She is celebrated on October 1st.
Saint Therese of Lisieux, also known as Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, is one of the most popular female saints in the Catholic Church. She was a French Carmelite nun who lived during the late 19th century. Saint Therese is renowned for her spiritual writings and her doctrine of the 'Little Way', which emphasizes finding holiness in everyday actions and embracing a childlike trust in God's love. Her autobiography, 'The Story of a Soul', has been widely read and has inspired countless individuals in their spiritual journey.

Birth: January 2, 1873

Death: September 30, 1897

Feast day: October 1

Canonization: May 17, 1925

Patronage: Missionaries, florists, pilots, AIDS patients
Saint Therese of Lisieux in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular female saint
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful female saint
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Virgin

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Ranking factors for famous saint

Historical significance

Consider the impact the saint had on Church history, their role in shaping Catholic theology or doctrine, and any significant events associated with their life.
Popularity and devotion

Assess the level of popularity and cultural devotion to the saint, such as the number of churches, shrines, or religious orders dedicated to them, and the extent of their veneration by the faithful.
Canonization and recognition

Take into account whether the saint has been officially canonized by the Church, indicating their recognition as an exemplar of holiness. The process of canonization involves rigorous investigation and verification of miracles attributed to the saint.
Patronage

Consider the range and importance of areas or causes to which the saint is associated as a patron, such as patronage over particular professions, countries, or aspects of life.
Artistic and cultural representation

Evaluate the presence of the saint in religious art, literature, music, and other forms of cultural expression, which can reflect their enduring popularity and influence.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous saint in the Catholic Church. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or saint is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1801 views
188 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each saint once every 24 hours. The rank of each saint is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous saint in the catholic church

The Catholic Church has a rich history of saints who have made significant contributions to the faith and the world at large. These individuals are revered for their devotion to God, their exemplary lives, and their miraculous acts. While there are countless saints in the Catholic Church, some have become more famous than others. One such saint is St. Francis of Assisi, known for his love of nature and his dedication to poverty and simplicity. Another well-known saint is St. Teresa of Avila, a mystic and writer who founded numerous convents and monasteries throughout Spain. Of course, the most famous saint of all is likely St. Peter, who is considered the first pope and one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. Regardless of which saint is considered the most famous, their lives and legacies continue to inspire and guide Catholics around the world.