José Luis Illanes, Dean of the School of Theology from 1980 to 1992, has passed away.
D. in Sacred Theology, was professor of Fundamental, Spiritual and Dogmatic Theology since 1970 and one of the first professors of the School of Theology.
25 | 04 | 2025
José Luis Illanes, Dean of the School of Theology from 1980 to 1992, died last night in Pamplona at the age of 91. Born in Seville on December 26, 1933, he was a professor of Fundamental, Spiritual and Dogmatic Theology since 1970 and one of the first teachers of the School of Theology.
In 1954 he obtained the Degree of Professor of Mercantile at the Professional School of Commerce of Seville. He graduated in Law from the University of Seville (1956), and obtained a degree (1958) and doctorate (1959) in Sacred Theology from the Pontifical Lateran University (Rome).
In 1970 he joined the University. He was appointed Associate Dean of the School of Theology in 1978, and Dean in 1980, a position he held until 1992, when he became Associate Dean again until the 2001-2002 academic year. He directed the department of Fundamental and Dogmatic Theology from 1983 to 1986, and the department of Moral and Spiritual Theology from 1986 to 1999. In addition, he was board member of the committee of the Institute of Anthropology and Ethics from 1998 to 2001.
He held the position of Deputy Director (1995) and then director (1998) of the Documentation Center and programs of study Josemaría Escrivá at the University. He has also directed the Josemaría Escrivá Historical Institute (Rome) since its establishment in January 2001.
Outside the University he teaching at the School of Theology of Northern Spain (Burgos) and, since 1985, he was part of the Theology Section of the Roman Academic Center of the Holy Cross. Since 1998 he has been Visiting Professor at the School of Theology of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross. He was also a member of the Società Internazionale Tommasso d'Aquino, the Institut International Jacques Maritain and the Centre of Newman Friends.
Throughout his academic career, he directed multiple seminars and specialization courses, as well as numerous doctoral thesis . He also gave several lessons and conferences in the courses of Theological update and in the Pastoral Weeks of the School of Theology, and gave lessons and conferences in several universities, theological centers and diocesan seminaries. Among his numerous publications is The Sanctification of work ( 1966), a work that has been translated into French, English, Italian and Portuguese.
For Gregorio Guitián, Dean of the School of Theology, "during his twelve years as Dean and another twelve as Associate Dean, José Luis was dedicated to establishing the progressive maturity of the School of Theology after its first decade of existence. Together with other professors, he promoted the international projection of the School, especially through the Theology Symposiums. He also reorganized the departmental structure, promoted the incorporation of young faculty , etc. José Luis was always open to dialogue with positions with which he did not agree and I would say that, while maintaining his convictions, he invariably tended to see the positive aspects of other approaches. He knew how to combine with a unique art, animating work and good humor in moments of festive celebration. From the School we pray for his eternal rest and thank him for his fruitful life and the service he has given to so many".
