Suárez was regarded during his lifetime as being the greatest living philosopher and theologian, and given the nickname Doctor Eximius et Pius ("Exceptional and Pious Doctor"); Pope Gregory XIII attended his first lecture in Rome.
I sin tid ansås Suárez for at være den største nulevende filosof og teolog og fik øgenavnet Doctor Eximius et Pius ("Usædvanlig og from doktor"); Pave Gregor 13. overværede hans første forelæsning i Rom.