Originally published at National Catholic Register
The Dominicans indicated that Father Gutiérrez’s remains would lie in state at the Santo Domingo convent in Lima’s historic center.
Father Gustavo Gutiérrez Merino, the Peruvian Dominican priest considered the” father” of liberation theology, died on October 22 at the age of 96.
The Dominican Province of St. John the Baptist of Peru announced the death of Gutiérrez, noting he was the author of the influential 1971 book “A Theology of Liberation: History, Politics and Salvation.”
“We ask for your prayers to accompany our dear brother so that he may enjoy eternal life,” stated the announcement signed by Father Rómulo Vásquez Gavidia O.P., the provincial prior.
Professor John Cavadini at the University of Notre Dame, former head of the theology department reacted to the news tellling EWTN Newsr:
“I am sad to hear of the passing of Father Gustavo. I had recruited and appointed him to our Department of Theology. I can’t remember the exact date; I think it was around 1999,” Cavadini said adding:
“Unlike a number of liberation theologians, Father Gustavo was concerned to remain with the boundaries of orthodox Catholic faith and ecclesial discipline. As a result, he expanded ecclesial sensibilities in ways that permanently affected,
