The Asian Centre for Cross-Cultural Studies, which Wilfred founded and directed since 2008 in Chennai, did not give much details about the death. But it said it was "saddened" to reveal "the sudden demise" of Wilfred.
Thousands of Wilfred's students and theological scholars worldwide would testify that the originality of his thought and analytical capacity went beyond his doctoral degree in theology and his master’s in philosophy, said Sri Lankan Theologian Father Vimal Tirimanna.
Wilfred was among “rare Indian theologians, respected and quoted across the globe,” said Jesuit Father Joe Antony, former editor of the Chennai-based Catholic weekly New Leader.
“Incisive and progressive, he spoke up courageously for the poor, the laity, social justice, and the needed changes in the Church. Always friendly and cheerful, he taught and guided generations of students and researchers,” Antony said.
Wilfred was the president of the globally renowned International Theological Review Concilium. He was also a member of the Vatican International Theological Commission, which was chaired by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI.
He also served as secretary of the Office of Theological Concerns of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences for about 10 years and headed the Indian Theological Association for a few years.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao of Goa, president of the Federation of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Asia (FABC), said Wilfred made an “immense contribution” to the global theological community.
His “life was a testament to his extraordinary dedication to theological scholarship, interreligious dialogue, and the promotion of justice and harmony,” said the cardinal, also the president of the Indian bishops’ Conference.
Wilfred’s “profound insights, scholarly rigour and compassionate pastoral approach have inspired theologians, clergy and laypersons worldwide,” the cardinal said.
Wilfred was a visiting professor at several International Universities, including the University of Frankfurt, the University of Munster, the University of Nijmegen, Boston College, the East Asian Pastoral Institute in Manila, and Fudan University in China.
He was also chair of Indian studies at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
He was also a professor of the State University of Madras in southern India, working as its dean of the Faculty of Arts, and chairman of the School of Philosophy and Religious Thought.
Born in 1948, he was ordained a priest in 1972 for Kottar diocese, located at the southern tip of Tamil Nadu state. However, he joined Kuzhithurai diocese when it was established in 2014.
Wilfred exhibited academic brilliance as a student and was sent to study in Italy and France. He won three gold medals for academic excellence while studying at Rome’s Pontifical Urban University, the University of Perugia, and the University of Caen.
“He was an erudite scholar and intellectual giant. His published works are a testament to his unique combination of academic rigor with deep spirituality,” said Professor Leo Samuel, a colleague of Wilfred at the University of Madras.
“In his death, the Catholic Church has lost a great son and the academic world a great teacher and writer,” Samuel said, recalling that Wilfred had 37 years of research experience.
Theologians worldwide, including Asia, expressed shock at the sudden death of Wilfred, who had been actively attending seminars and presenting papers until recently.
“We are deeply grateful for the work and service he devoted to the Church and the people of Asia,” said theologian and anthropologist Michel Chambon, who coordinates the Singapore-based Initiative for the Study of Asian Catholics.
Chambon told UCA News that the Church in Asia must "find ways to honor and cultivate his ecclesial and intellectual legacy" while mourning his death.
Wilfred’s last major international engagement was attending the concluding session of the Synod on Synodality in October 2024 at the Vatican as an invited theologian from Asia.
A polyglot, he was comfortable in English, his native Tamil, Italian, and French. He also had a working knowledge of Latin, German, and Spanish and a basic knowledge of Sanskrit and Hindi.
Wilfred authored numerous books and articles. He is credited for editing The Oxford Handbook of Asian Christianity (2014). His works, Religious Identities and the Global South, and Porous Borders and Novel Paths, were also critically acclaimed.
He “dedicated his life to fostering justice, inter-religious harmony, and cultural understanding. His legacy is a beacon of hope and a call to carry forward his mission of dialogue and inclusivity,” said a note from his colleagues, mourning his death.