In Memoriam: Norbert Lohfink, S.J.

CBA mourns the passing of Prof. Dr. Norbert Lohfink, S.J., on September 23, 2024 at the age of 96. A CBA member since 1969, Lohfink leaves behind an impressive academic legacy that has had a profound impact on both the scientific exegesis of the Old Testament and Jewish-Christian dialogue.

Lohfink's path to theology was paved early on. After graduating from high school, he joined the Jesuit order in 1947, laying the foundation for his impressive career. Lohfink studied philosophy and theology in Germany and continued his education at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. There he received his doctorate in 1962 with a groundbreaking thesis on the book of Deuteronomy, which made him known in the professional world.

Lohfink's academic career eventually took him back to Germany, where he taught at the Philosophical and Theological College of St. Georgen in Frankfurt am Main from 1962 to 1996. During this time he also held a professorship at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome. His academic focus was on Deuteronomy, the Psalms and biblical theology, on which he published almost 900 books and articles.

In addition to his academic work, Lohfink was also heavily involved in interreligious dialogue. He actively promoted understanding and cooperation between Jewish and Christian theologians. This dialogue, which gained importance especially after the Second Vatican Council, was an essential part of Lohfink's theological work.

In the service of science and faith
Norbert Lohfink's work leaves a lasting mark. After his retirement in 1996, he slowly withdrew from public life, but remained active in scientific discussions and publications well into old age. Since 2021 he lived in the Pedro Arrupe retirement home in Unterhaching near Munich, together with other older Jesuits.

 Norbert's brother, New Testament scholar, Gerhard died April 2nd of this year.

(Source: Vatican News)