Henri de Lubac

Henri de Lubac, born on February 20, 1896, in Cambrai, France, was a French Jesuit priest and cardinal. He is considered one of the most influential theologians of the 20th century. De Lubac's writings and doctrinal research played a key role in shaping the Second Vatican Council. During World War I, he was gravely wounded in the head, an experience that would haunt him for life. Despite the lingering effects of his injury, it also marked a moment of camaraderie and dialogue with non-believers. De Lubac became acutely aware of the challenges facing the Catholic faith. In 1927, he was ordained a priest. As a professor of fundamental theology at the Catholic Faculty of Lyon from 1929 to 1939, he published his groundbreaking book "Catholicism: The Social Aspects of Dogma." This work had a global impact. During World War II, de Lubac engaged in spiritual resistance against Nazism in France. He denounced Nazi ideology both in his teachings and writings. His work "The Drama of Atheistic Humanism" was written during this period. In 1946, his book "Surnaturel: Études historiques" caused controversy and led to suspicions of modernism by the Holy Office. Despite being banned from teaching by the Jesuit general due to an encyclical that seemed to target him directly, de Lubac continued his influential theological work. Henri de Lubac passed away on September 4, 1991, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape theological discourse.