The renowned Peruvian theologian Gustavo Gutierrez Merinoconsidered the father of Liberation Theologydied this October 22 at the age of 96, as confirmed by the Dominican Province in Peru, a religious order to which he belonged since 2001.
The Bartolomé de las Casas Institute, founded by Gutiérrez, spoke out through its social networks thanking him for his work “in favor of the poor and those discarded by society.”
“With deep pain, we announce that our dear friend and founder has passed away tonight. Gustavo Gutierrez. We thank God for his life and his friendship. His work and work in favor of the poor and the most discarded in society will continue to illuminate the path of the Church towards a more just and fraternal world. Thank you, Gustavo!” reads the statement.
Who was Gustavo Gutiérrez Merino?
Gustavo Gutierrezborn in Lima in 1928, was one of the most influential figures in the theological and social spheres of Latin America. Throughout his life, he dedicated his work to the analysis and denunciation of poverty and inequality on the continent, transforming religious reflection by placing the experience of the oppressed at the center of Christian praxis.
His best-known work, ‘Liberation Theology. Perspectives’, published in 1971, marked a milestone in the history of contemporary theology, being not only a call to social action from faith, but also a profound criticism of the prevailing social and economic order. In its pages, Gutiérrez explored how to announce the Christian message in a world marked by structural injustice, defending the preferential option for the poor, a principle that would become the central axis of his proposal.
The impact of his thought crossed borders and generated both adhesions and debates within and outside the Catholic Church. Despite the criticism he received, especially from some conservative sectors of the Vatican during the 1980s, Gutiérrez maintained an open dialogue with the ecclesiastical authorities, going so far as to reformulate some aspects of his work, without renouncing his commitment to those most in need.
Gutiérrez’s life was marked by his closeness to the poor, not only intellectually, but also in his pastoral work. After his return from studying theology in Europe, he served as parish priest in the Rímac district, in Lima, where he lived with the most vulnerable communities, an experience that would fuel his reflection and social commitment.
In 2018, Pope Francis, who has resumed and strengthened the preferential option for the poor in his pontificate, sent him an emotional letter for his 90th birthday, recognizing his immense contribution to the Church and humanity: “Thank you for everything you have contributed to the Church and humanity, through your theological service and your preferential option for the poor and those discarded from society.”
Gustavo Gutierrez He leaves a theological and humanistic legacy that will continue to inspire generations of believers and non-believers in the search for a more just and equitable society.
National and international recognitions
His work was widely recognized internationally. Among the most notable honors are the Princess of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities (2003), the National Culture Award (2012), and the Gittler Prize (2014), a recognition granted by Brandeis University to those who have contributed to the dialogue between religion and culture. Likewise, Gutiérrez was named Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honor by the French government, highlighting its influence not only in Latin America, but globally.
He was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and received the Magisterial Palms in 2018, the highest distinction awarded by the State to people who have made great contributions to the country’s education and culture.
Obsequies
The Dominican order in Peru has announced that in the coming days masses will be celebrated in his honor and a tribute in the Basilica of Santo Domingo, in Lima. The remains of Father Gutiérrez will be laid to rest starting tomorrow night, October 23, in the Church of Santo Domingo. Time to be confirmed.
