Fr. Gustavo Gutiérrez, a champion of social justice and liberation for the oppressed, passed away at the remarkable age of 96. His legacy is deeply rooted in challenging the Church to reexamine its stance in a world plagued by inequality and to wholeheartedly advocate for the marginalized.
By Joseph Tulloch
Emerging amidst the social injustices of Latin America in the 1960s, liberation theology, with Fr. Gustavo Gutiérrez at its forefront, emphasized the imperative for Christianity to address issues of poverty and exclusion to maintain its credibility.
His influential 1971 book, A Theology of Liberation, laid the foundation for this movement, shaping theological discourse not only in Latin America but also worldwide.
Fr. Gutiérrez, born in Peru in 1928, initially studied medicine before redirecting his focus to philosophy, psychology, and theology. Ordained as a priest in 1959, he later joined the Dominican Order. For many years, he dedicated his teachings at the Catholic University of Lima to shedding light on the societal challenges plaguing his homeland and beyond.
In a 2015 interview with Vatican Radio, Fr. Gutiérrez articulated that caring for the impoverished is intrinsic to the Christian message, emphasizing that poverty signifies death as it devastates individuals and families alike.
Fr. Gustavo Gutiérrez’s significance was not only theological. He also forged a heartwarming friendship with Cardinal Gerhard Müller, a German theologian who once headed the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith—a body that previously expressed reservations about certain aspects of liberation theology.
Cardinal Müller, speaking to Vatican News following his friend’s passing, hailed Fr. Gutiérrez as “one of the great theologians of our time,” underscoring the impact of his enduring legacy.
Liberation theology, with its profound influence on the Catholic Church and broader society, presented a powerful challenge to reevaluate the Church’s stance in a world characterized by social disparities and to unequivocally stand up for the vulnerable. In numerous ways, Fr. Gustavo Gutiérrez’s legacy perseveres, casting a lasting impact on theological discourse and social justice movements across the globe.
