Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Fr. Gustavo Gutiérrez, the renowned Peruvian theologian and the father of liberation theology, died on October 22, 2024, at the age of 96 at his home in Lima, Peru’s capital.
“Fr. Gutiérrez’s departure is a tremendous loss, not only to the Church but also to the global community committed to justice, peace, and human dignity,” Cardinal Filipe stated.
Fr. Gutiérrez's milestone work, A Theology of Liberation, published in 1971, revolutionized the Church's approach to addressing the systemic poverty and oppression faced by many in Latin America and beyond.
His life was defined by an unwavering dedication to the poor and marginalized. Through his groundbreaking work, A Theology of Liberation, he introduced the Church to a new vision of Christ’s presence in the lives of the oppressed,” Cardinal Filipe remarked.
Fr. Gutiérrez’s theological influence transcended Latin America, shaping the Church’s global mission of social justice. He was a key voice during the Latin American Bishops' Conference in Medellín, Colombia, in 1968, which solidified the Church's commitment to addressing poverty and injustice.
The cardinal emphasized the significance of Fr. Gutiérrez’s contributions, stating, “His theology, deeply rooted in the Gospel and lived reality, called us to a deeper understanding of God’s preferential option for the poor. He urged the world to confront structures of injustice and to walk in solidarity with those who are voiceless and vulnerable.”
“Fr. Gutiérrez was a prophetic figure of our times,” Cardinal Filipe continued. “His teachings have profoundly shaped the Church’s mission and led to a renewed understanding of solidarity and service. His legacy will continue to inspire countless believers to strive for a more just and compassionate world.”
The CCBI General Secretariat also released a statement, offering heartfelt condolences to Fr. Gutiérrez’s family, friends, and all those impacted by his life and work. The statement underscored the importance of his theological vision, which continues to inspire movements for social justice across the globe.
“We pray that the Lord grants him eternal rest, and may his prophetic voice continue to resonate with all who seek justice and peace,” the Cardinal concluded.
Fr. Gustavo Gutiérrez’s death marks the end of a life dedicated to the poor, but his theological legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence generations of Christians and the global justice movement.- Father Stephen Alathara
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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