Hugo Assmann (1933–2008) was a Brazilian Catholic theologian who helped develop the ideas surrounding liberation theology following the Second Vatican Council.
He was a firebrand critic of the conservative values held by the Catholic orthodoxy, and believed firmly that the role of the Church should be to alleviate the suffering of the global poor.
A prolific advocate for liberation theology, Assmann's work and participation in the movement forced him to move between numerous countries throughout Latin America throughout the course of his life.
[2] He then received his doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 1961 in Rome, becoming an ordained priest, with a thesis on "the social dimension of sin.
"[3] Returning to Brazil, Assmann settled in Porto Alegre, where he was vicar of the parish of Our Lady of Montserrat and teacher at Viamão Seminary.
Assmann also helped found the Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians in 1976 and the Brazilian Society of Theology and Religious Studies.
The collection of his works (books and journals) was donated by his family to the Ecumenical Library Program Graduate in Sciences of Religion of the Methodist University of São Paulo (UMESP).
His reflection was not focused on dogmatic questions, but from the practices of liberation in regards to spiritual and emotional fulfillment in peoples' lives.