Church leaders, theologians, and grassroots workers across India are mourning the passing of Dominican Father Gustavo Gutiérrez, regarded as the father of Liberation Theology. His work reshaped how Christians view the poor, encouraging them to see the marginalized not as objects of charity, but as agents and partners in social justice. Gutiérrez passed away on October 22 at the age of 96 in Lima, Peru, his birthplace.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, head of India’s Latin Rite Church, expressed profound grief over the death of Father Gutiérrez, describing it as a “tremendous loss” for both the Church and the global community striving for justice, peace, and human dignity. He emphasized that Father Gutiérrez’s life was “defined by an unwavering dedication to the poor and marginalized.” Through his revolutionary book *A Theology of Liberation*, Gutiérrez gave the Church a new understanding of Christ’s presence among the oppressed. Cardinal Ferrao, who is also the archbishop of Goa and Daman, further noted that the Peruvian theologian’s impact extended beyond theological circles to inspire social movements around the world.
Jesuit social scientist Father Cedric Prakash, who had met Gutiérrez, highlighted the immense influence of the theologian’s work. He remarked that the Church, and indeed the world, has lost “a courageous prophet who lived the Gospel of Jesus radically and without compromise.” Father Prakash explained that Gutiérrez’s theology centered on a God who takes sides with the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized, urging Christianity to recognize Jesus primarily as the redeemer and liberator of the oppressed.
Similarly, Presentation Sister Elsa Muttath, the national secretary of the Conference of Religious India, expressed sorrow over the theologian’s death, saying, “Hope his passing at this time will sow the seeds of new life and hope for the Church to renew itself once again.” Gutiérrez’s influence, according to Sister Muttath, continues to offer a path for the Church to reform and deepen its commitment to social justice.
Jesuit Father Stanislaus Alla, a professor of moral theology in New Delhi, highlighted how Gutiérrez challenged the Eurocentric theology that historically failed to incorporate the struggles and sufferings of the colonized. Father Alla said that Gutiérrez’s work played a crucial role in bringing the experiences of those grappling with poverty and injustice into theological discussions, thereby broadening the scope of theological reflection.
Capuchin Father Suresh Mathew, a journalist, emphasized that Gutiérrez’s legacy lies in how he urged the Church to adopt a more inclusive and socially conscious faith. “His legacy continues to inspire social justice movements worldwide, uniting faith and action,” said Father Mathew, underscoring the global impact of the theologian’s ideas.
Indian Missionary Society Father Anand Mathew, the national convener of the Forum of Religious for Justice and Peace, a group drawing inspiration from Liberation Theology, praised Gutiérrez as “the brightest luminary” in the field. He mentioned that Gutiérrez, along with other theologians like Jon Sobrino, Helder Camara, and Leonard Boff, inspired people to side with the poor and marginalized. Father Anand Mathew’s statement reflects the far-reaching influence Gutiérrez had on religious and justice-oriented movements worldwide.
Grassroots workers in India, such as Sister Sujata Jena and Jesuit Father Irudhaya Jothi, acknowledged that Gutiérrez’s ideas deeply shaped their activism. Father Jothi, who advocates for food rights in West Bengal, shared how A Theology of Liberation influenced his commitment to social justice. “His writings led me to ask critical questions like, ‘Why are there poor people starving in a land of plenty?’ and ‘What is my role as a follower of Jesus, the Liberator?’” These reflections, Father Jothi explained, motivated him to push for rights-based approaches to food security and demand legislative action from the government to address these issues.
Similarly, Sister Jena, a Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary nun, shared how deeply moved she was by Gutiérrez’s reflections on God’s preferential love for the poor during her studies in missiology. She explained that his theology resonated with her in her role as a religious nun, compelling her to prioritize the needs of the marginalized. “It challenged me to see my faith as a path of solidarity, not just in words but in daily action,” said Sister Jena, who works among migrant communities.
Presentation Sister Dorothy Fernandes, another grassroots activist and the former national convener of the Forum of Religious for Justice and Peace, expressed her deep admiration for Gutiérrez. She noted that his work had been a source of strength for the forum’s members as they engaged in justice work. “We have lost a great champion of the poor and the less privileged,” she mourned. Sister Fernandes, who works among the homeless in Patna, described Gutiérrez’s writings and life as a continuing source of inspiration. “He was a true follower of Jesus. May he enjoy Eternal Bliss,” she added.
Through his pioneering work, Gutiérrez not only redefined the Church’s understanding of poverty and marginalization but also served as a beacon for many seeking to unite faith with social activism. His writings remain influential across the world, inspiring movements committed to justice, equality, and human dignity. His vision of Liberation Theology emphasized that the Church must stand in solidarity with the oppressed, advocating for systemic change and recognizing the inherent dignity of every individual, particularly the most vulnerable.
The impact of Gutiérrez’s life and work is deeply felt across various sectors of society, from theological scholars to grassroots workers. His call for a faith that is rooted in action continues to resonate, especially in countries like India, where social inequality and poverty remain pressing concerns. For the countless individuals who were inspired by his theology, Gutiérrez’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the role that faith can play in challenging systemic injustice.
As the global Church and numerous communities across the world remember the “prophet of the poor,” the legacy of Father Gustavo Gutiérrez endures, a guiding light for future generations of theologians, social activists, and all those committed to justice and human dignity.