Joseph Pohle

Born in Niederspay near Koblenz on March 19, 1852, Joseph Pohle studied in Trier and in Rome, where he earned advanced degrees in philosophy and theology before being ordained in 1878. He went on to teach in Switzerland, England, Fulda, and Münster, and later served at the Catholic University of America.

Pohle was best known as a Catholic dogmatic theologian. He wrote substantial treatises on major areas of doctrine, and many English-language editions of his work were adapted and edited by Arthur Preuss, which helped introduce his theology to a broader readership.

He died in Breslau on February 21, 1922. Today he is remembered chiefly for his careful, textbook-style presentation of Catholic doctrine and for the lasting place his writings held in theological education.