Bible Dictionaries

1910 New Catholic Dictionary

Valencia, Gregory of

Jesuit theologian, surnamed "Doctor doctorum," born Medina, Spain, c.1550;died Naples, Italy, 1603. After lecturing on philosophy with distinction in Rome, he was sent to Germany where he taught theology for 17 years at Ingolstadt, and won additional fame as a brilliant controversialist. He has been unfairly criticized for his views on witchcraft trials. Gregory played an important part in deciding the attitude of the Holy See in the dispute concerning interest. In 1598, he was sent to Rome to vindicate the teachings of Molina on grace and free will.