Sobrino arrived in El Salvador in 1958, one year after joining the Society of Jesus. A theologian and philosopher born in Barcelona in 1938, he became a central figure in Latin American liberation theology. His career has been defined by his long-term tenure at the Central American University in San Salvador and his ongoing engagement with Catholic doctrine.
Academic Formation and Career
Sobrino pursued his academic training in engineering at Saint Louis University before moving to Germany. He completed his Doctor of Theology at the Sankt Georgen Graduate School of Philosophy and Theology in Frankfurt. Upon returning to El Salvador, he helped establish the Jesuit-run University of Central America, where he served as a professor of theology throughout his professional life.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →The Salvadoran Conflict
The Salvadoran Civil War deeply impacted his theological perspective. On 16 November 1989, members of the Atlacatl Battalion entered the rectory of the Central American University. They killed six fellow Jesuits, including Ignacio Ellacuría, Segundo Montes, Juan Ramón Moreno, Ignacio Martín-Baró, Amando López, and Joaquín López y López, as well as their housekeeper Elba Ramos and her daughter Celina Ramos. Sobrino was away at the time, avoiding the attack that targeted his colleagues for their efforts to resolve the conflict.
Vatican Theological Notification
In March 2007, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a notification regarding Sobrino's work. The Vatican argued his writings focused too heavily on the human nature of Jesus while neglecting his divinity. The notification cited concerns regarding his methodological presuppositions, the incarnation, and the salvific value of death. While the Vatican labeled certain propositions dangerous, it did not issue a formal condemnation or prevent him from teaching. Subsequent actions by Archbishop Fernando Sáenz Lacalle included attempts to bar him from teaching at Catholic institutions.
Core Writings
Sobrino authored numerous texts exploring liberation theology and systematic theology. His major publications include Christology at the Crossroads, The True Church and the Poor, Spirituality of Liberation, Jesus the Liberator, Christ the Liberator, and The Principle of Mercy: Taking the Crucified People from the Cross. His later work includes Prophetic-Utopian Essays, published in 2008.
Fast facts
- Born: 1938, Barcelona
- Citizenship: Spain, El Salvador
- Religious Order: Society of Jesus
- Primary Institution: Central American University, San Salvador
- Field: Liberation theology
- Vatican Notification Date: March 2007
Questions readers ask
What was the Vatican's primary concern regarding Sobrino's work?
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith argued he placed too much emphasis on the human nature of Jesus while downplaying his divinity.
Was Sobrino expelled from the priesthood following the 2007 notification?
No. The Vatican did not condemn or censure him, nor did they formally prohibit him from lecturing, although local authorities sought to restrict his activities.
Achievements
- Held posts at Central American University, San Salvador
- Fields: liberation theology, Catholic theology and systematic theology
.jpg)