Juan Landázuri Ricketts, born on December 19, 1913, in Arequipa, Peru, was one of the most influential figures in the 20th-century Peruvian Catholic Church. Serving as Archbishop of Lima for more than 30 years, from 1955 to 1989, he played a key role in modernizing the Church in Peru while being a strong advocate for the rights of the poor and marginalized. He is best known for his involvement in the Second Vatican Council and his efforts to promote social justice in a country marked by inequality.
Juan Landázuri was born into a deeply religious family of Spanish and British descent. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in religious life, joining the Franciscan order in 1927. He pursued his theological studies in Spain and Italy before being ordained as a priest in 1939. His early years as a priest were marked by a deep commitment to the poor and a strong devotion to the Christian faith.
In 1955, at the age of 42, Juan Landázuri Ricketts was appointed Archbishop of Lima, a position he would hold for more than three decades. As archbishop, he undertook the task of reforming the Church in Peru to adapt it to the country’s social and economic changes. He promoted a Church that was closer to the poor and supported initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of the underprivileged. His leadership was marked by a deep commitment to social justice and inclusion.
Juan Landázuri Ricketts played an important role in the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), a historic event that transformed the Catholic Church worldwide. He was a strong advocate for Church reform, supporting a more pastoral approach that was open to dialogue with the modern world and responsive to the social realities of the time. His ideas helped shape the direction of the Church in Latin America, especially by emphasizing the preferential option for the poor.
Landázuri Ricketts dedicated much of his ministry to defending the rights of the poor and denouncing social injustices. He encouraged the Church to actively engage in the fight against poverty, inequality, and social exclusion, often standing in opposition to the political and economic elites of Peru. He was a pioneer of liberation theology in Latin America, although he sought to avoid ideological divisions, advocating instead for an approach centered on love and justice.
As an influential religious figure, Juan Landázuri Ricketts played a key role in peace and reconciliation efforts during periods of social and political conflict in Peru. He was a moderating voice, calling for dialogue between the different political and social factions in the country, while firmly defending the rights of the most vulnerable populations. His commitment to peace and justice made him a respected figure not only within the Church but also in Peruvian society.
Juan Landázuri Ricketts remained Archbishop of Lima until his retirement in 1989. He passed away in 1997, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, social justice, and ecclesiastical reform. His influence continues to be felt today, not only through the reforms he promoted but also in the way the Peruvian Church continues to position itself as a force for social justice and the defense of the poor. His commitment to a more inclusive Church, closer to the people, remains a model for many priests and bishops across Latin America.