Pedro Rodríguez, former Dean of the School of Theology

Professor Emeritus Pedro Rodríguez, a priest and former Dean at the School of Theology University of Navarra, who in 1985 discovered the original manuscript of the Roman Catechism, which served as the basis for the publication of its historical-critical edition. He was 93 years old.

A native of Cartagena (July 19, 1933), he earned a licentiate degree te in Law and completed courses in “ doctorate ” at the Complutense University of Madrid (1950–1956). He later moved to Rome to pursue the “programs of study ” in “ licentiate degree ” and “ doctorate ” in “ Sacred Theology ” at the Lateran University in Rome, where he crossed paths with St. Josemaría Escrivá. He was ordained a priest in 1958.

With a Ph.D. in Theology ( Sacred Theology ) and in Law, he returned to Madrid in 1959 to devote himself to the Theologicalteaching at the Studium Generale of Opus Dei and to pastoralwork in university settings. He also participated in the launch of the Theology Library in 1963. This was both a collection of books and an institution for theological dialogue that sought to reflect the theological renewal proposed by the Second Vatican Council.

In October 1967, he was part of the first administrative team of the Theological Institute—along with Professors Alfredo García Suárez and José María Casciaro—which would be established by the Holy See as the School of Theology two years later, in 1969.

Expert at the Synod of Bishops for Europe

A professor of Ecclesiology and Ecumenical Theology since 1974, he served as director of research (1985–87), director of the journal *Scripta Theologica* (1975–88), and director of the * department * of Ecclesiology (1975–99). Between 1992 and 1998, he was Dean of the Faculty. In addition, he served as the first “ position ” (editor-in-chief) director of the journal *Palabra* (now *Omnes*), a monthly publication on pastoral and theological analysis aimed at priests in Spain and Latin America, which later became the foundation for Ediciones Palabra.

Appointed by John Paul II as an expert at the Synod of Bishops for Europe (1999), he was a member of the Societas Oecumenica Europea and served on the advisory boards of the *Revista Española de Teología* ( Madrid), the *Rivista Teologica di Lugano* (Switzerland), and the *yearbook * de Historia de la Iglesia (Navarra). 

Among his publications, his analysis of the Catechism of the Council of Trent—* research *—stands out. This work led to the critical edition of the Roman Catechism, produced in support of the work on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and solemnly presented to Pope John Paul II in 1990. As Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger stated, “With * finding * and the critical edition of the original manuscript of the Roman Catechism, Professor Rodríguez has rendered a service to theology that transcends specific historical circumstances and has also been of great importance to my work during the preparation of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.”

After his retirement, he was appointed in 2003 as " Professor Emeritus " of the School of Theology.

Gregorio Guitián, Dean of the School of Theology, states that with the passing of Don Pedro Rodríguez, “we have lost the last member of the first board Board of Directors of the Theological Institute of the University of Navarra, which began in 1967 as the seed of the future School of Theology. He was, therefore, a fundamental figure to whom we will always be grateful.”

Don Pedro remains a leading authority on ecumenism and ecclesiology in Spain and beyond. Under his guidance, the University incorporated ecumenical theology into the regular Study program e for the first time in Spain. In the field of ecclesiology, Professor Rodríguez has distinguished himself through his research on various aspects of the Church’s fundamental structure, particular churches, personal prelatures, the relationship between the Pope and the bishops, and the laity. Don Pedro is also responsible for the magnificent historical-critical edition of *Camino* and other works by the founder of Opus Dei.

Dean As a member of the board Faculty’s administrative board during several terms, Don Pedro has left us a wonderful example of work excellence, enthusiasm, and hard work; of caring for students, of knowing how to build a team, and of mentoring those who would follow. In this regard, I would have liked Professor José Ramón Villar—whom Don Pedro mentored with great care, but who left us too soon—to write these lines. From the “ School of Theology ,” we pray to the Lord for their souls, while also asking for His “ financial aid ” to continue this valuable “ mission statement.”

For his part, Professor Ramiro Pellitero recalls Professor Rodríguez as “an excellent theologian with B analytical ability and historical sensitivity, creative in his proposals and a good communicator. I believe that on some issues he was at the forefront of theological thought, and time will confirm this. He knew how to look ahead and was prudent in his approach. He possessed great work and team-building skills.”

Those of us who knew him personally can attest that he was, above all, a warm and approachable person—a friend who listened and helped you bring out the best in yourself. He understood and carried out his priestly ministry with a spirit of total service. He loved Jesus Christ and his Church deeply. And he liked to explain Opus Dei by quoting a phrase from St. Josemaría: “Opus Dei is a ‘little part’ of the Church.”