Pope Leo XIII introduced neo-Thomism into seminary training in 1880

Evidence

In 1880, however, Pope Leo XIII decided to upgrade seminary training by including neo-Thomism as a solid philosophical foundation. Neo-Thomistic training was historical and apologetic. … In the Franciscan tradition, belief remained an act and way of life. Belief was more spiritual, affective and active (Van Dam 2006: 174). — Frans Dokman, Beyond Bantu Philosophy_…, 82

Categorization

• corroborated: 3 independent passages support this claim — Frans Dokman, Beyond Bantu Philosophy_…, 82
• XREF: connects to: Franciscan seminary reform separated philosophy from theology as an independent field