From the Andes to the Vatican: The Enduring Call of Liberation Theology

This article explores the enduring relevance of liberation theology through three key lenses: the echoes and challenges of the Second Vatican Council in Latin America; the theological reimagining of the periphery as a source of revelation; and the tensions with Rome, culminating in a reclamation of liberation theology’s core principles. While the grassroots energy that once defined the movement has waned, its prophetic vision remains vital amidst growing secularisation and the rise of alternative ideologies in Latin America. By examining Pope Francis’s endorsement of its tenets and contributions from emerging theologians, this study underscores liberation theology’s adaptability and continued potency as a framework for addressing contemporary spiritual and material injustices.