The Catholic Origins of Coffee in the West

Coffee’s rich and aromatic history is steeped in a surprising blend of religion, culture, and Catholicism. Although it’s best known today as the elixir that shakes off the cobwebs on Monday mornings, coffee’s journey into the Western world was largely due to the advocacy of popes, saints, and monks—a holy trifecta of caffeine lovers. So if my Catholic coffee lovers out there feel like a good espresso or cappuccino is a religious experience, well it kind of is! Here are some fun and fascinating connections between coffee and Catholicism that might perk you up.

One of the best stories tying coffee to Catholicism features Pope Clement VIII, who guided the Barque of Peter from 1536–1605. When coffee first arrived in Europe in the late 16th century, it was treated like a suspicious stranger at the parish potluck. Its association with the Islamic world had some clerics and laypeople calling it the “devil’s drink.” Because of this, mornings were pretty tough until the pope weighed in on the subject. Pope Clement VIII wasn’t one to rush to judgment. Instead, he decided to give it a try—and the rest is caffeinated history.

The story goes that Clement took one sip and declared: “This devil’s drink is so delicious that it would be a pity to let the infidels have exclusive use of it.” With that papal blessing, coffee’s reputation was given its rightful place, and it quickly became the go-to beverage for early risers, prayer warriors, and anyone who needed a little extra pep in their step. You could say it generated a lot of buzz. (I won’t be laying off the dad jokes any time soon.)

Officially treated like a morning soup, coffee soon took off in popularity, and drinkers everywhere began experimenting with other ingredients and ways of cooking the beans. The cappuccino, beloved for its frothy charm and milky goodness, owes its name to the Capuchin friars, an order of Catholic monks. These friars, known for their brown robes and pointed hoods, inspired the name thanks to the cappuccino’s distinctive color and foam-topped appearance which resembled the friars’ attire. Talk about leaving your mark in history—and on a coffee menu.

The drink’s origins trace back to the 17th century, when a Capuchin friar in Vienna added milk to his strong, black coffee to mellow the flavor. Locals called it a “Kapuziner,” a nod to its resemblance to the friars’ habits. These Viennese friars were not the only ones to inadvertently popularize the beverage. Perhaps its best advocates were the Capuchins in Venice. As the ships docked, they were said to be greeted by the beverage from the warm hands of the friars. Fast forward a few centuries, and the cappuccino evolved into the creamy, frothy delight we know and love today.

Thanks to the Capuchins, this heavenly concoction became a staple of Austrian and Italian café culture and a global favorite. So next time you sip on a cappuccino, give a little nod of thanks to the friars who inadvertently became barista pioneers. And remember: if coffee is the drink of saints, the cappuccino is surely its holiest brew.

While there’s no Saint Latte or Blessed Espresso on the Church’s calendar (yet), coffee became a de facto ally to religious life, particularly for those pulling the late-night vigils.

Monks spend periods of the day in prayer, but they also work throughout the day, and sometimes the night, too. Monastic communities were early adopters of coffee in Europe, recognizing its miraculous ability to keep them alert during extended periods of ora et labora. No records exist of monks doing shots of espresso between Psalms, but it’s safe to say coffee earned its spot as a spiritual sidekick.

Today, many monastic communities still pour freshly brewed coffee into a bowl, add a generous scoop of honey, and a little milk or cream. With a spirit of gratitude, they enjoy the beverage in the stillness and silence that makes their vocation so beautiful.

It’s possible that more than one religious order and saint have influenced coffee and its many forms, but we can definitely point to more than one from Spanish and Portuguese origins.

The Jesuits, founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola, deserve an honorary barista badge. They not only embraced coffee in their missionary journeys but also spread its cultivation to new lands through their missionary work. Thanks to the Jesuits, coffee found its way to Latin America and Asia, making the Jesuits a global coffee empire long before Starbucks.

St. Teresa of Ávila, the Counter Reformer and founder of the Discalced Carmelites, valued simplicity and discipline. Though there is no record of her sipping coffee, her followers in Spain certainly appreciated it, as many convents in Spain and Portugal still continue their traditional roasting methods as an enterprise to fund their activities. And Carmelite religious of Italy were so fond of coffee that it became a staple of their hospitality. They’d serve coffee to guests with the kind of warmth that’d rival any modern-day café experience.

Imagine a brew named “Saint Teresa’s Blend”—a brew that Shoeless Joe Jackson would certainly enjoy. Get it?

Today, coffee is still brewing strong in Catholic circles. Take “St. Drogo’s Café” (named after the patron saint of coffeehouses and shepherds), a prime example of how faith and caffeine go hand in hand. Catholic coffeehouses blend spirituality with great conversation and, of course, a mean latte. Whether it’s for evangelization, fellowship, or just a solid caffeine fix, these spaces are modern-day monasteries for the soul—and the palate.

Do note, all joking aside, that if you go to Italy and ask for a “latte” you’re just going to get steamed milk. Know thy café, lest thee be doomed.

The bond between coffee and Catholicism is proof that the Church has a knack for finding holiness in unexpected places. From Pope Clement VIII’s legendary taste test to the monks who prayed (and sipped) through the night, coffee has been a faithful companion to Catholic culture for centuries. So next time you enjoy a cup, take a moment to appreciate its rich history and raise a toast (or a mug) to the saints and popes who made it possible. Amen—and pass the creamer!

Photo by Kate Laine on Unsplash