Leonardo Boff is recognized as one of the most vocal, controversial, and eloquent defenders of Roman Catholic liberation theology. His controversial writings put him at odds with the Vatican and ultimately led him to resign from the priesthood. He was born in Concórdia, Santa Catarina, Brazil on December 14, 1938. He received his primary and secondary education in Santa Catarina, Paraná and São Paulo. He studied philosophy and theology, joined the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor in 1959, and received his doctorate in philosophy and theology from the University of Munich, Germany, in 1970. Boff was professor of systematic and ecumenical theology at the Franciscan Theological Institute. in Petrópolis for 22 years. He has also been a professor of theology and spirituality at various prestigious universities not only in Brazil, but in the rest of the world. In addition to this, he has also been a visiting professor in Lisbon, Salamanca, Harvard, Basel and Heidelberg – all predominant universities in various countries. He currently lives in Rio de Janeiro, has a daughter, five sons and three grandchildren. He is the author of more than sixty books in the fields of spirituality, mysticism, anthropology, philosophy and theology. Most of his works have been translated into major and modern languages. Leonardo Boff lives by the belief and principles of liberation theology – a political movement in Roman Catholic theology, which interprets the teachings of Jesus Christ in association with liberation from political, financial, or social conditions. Peruvian priest Gustavo Gutiérrez, author of the book A Theology of Liberation – a book that brought third world theology to the attention of the rest...... middle of paper ...... and endurance through moderation, thus living by these virtues. Leonardo Boff is an important theologian for all Christians, Protestants and Catholics. His firm perseverance in theology and his active support for the rights of the poor and excluded are inspiring. He is both diligent and patient, and demonstrates that he is fully human to the extent of his abilities. I believe that Leonardo Boff can be considered an icon not only in regards to Catholicism, but also in the beliefs and principles of liberation theology. Works Cited Biography of Leonardo Boff, retrieved April 29, 2014 Liberation Theology, retrieved April 29, 2014 Robert McAfee Brown, Leonardo Boff: Theologian for All Christians, retrieved May 13 2013,