In September 1984, the Brazilian theologian Leonardo Boff was summoned to Rome, facing accusations that his writing and teachings were ‘dangerous to the faith’.

He is a leading proponent of Liberation Theology, which holds that you can only be a true follower of Christ if you make common cause with the poor. Boff was called to appear before the Catholic Church’s highest tribunal.

In conversation with Mike Lanchin, he recalls what it was like to come face to face with Cardinal Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict, to defend his views.