Obituary

Saul Peña (August 23, 1932 - December 4, 2023)

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Saúl Peña on December 4, 2023.

Thinking of Saúl Peña elicits gratitude. Soon, it will be the 44th anniversary of the Peruvian Society of Psychoanalysis, an institution that, thanks to his strength, passion, and drive, he co-founded with two colleagues, Max Hernández and Carlos Crisanto.

The sadness of his departure finds solace in remembering his love for psychoanalysis, his love for life, and the great legacy he leaves not only to psychoanalysts and psychotherapists but to our country as well.

Those of us who had the honor of knowing him carry the imprint of his teachings, his courage, his intuition, and his interest in human beings. We are thankful for him embodying the art of living.

The best tribute is to remember him as he recalled his origins and trajectory. Here is a brief account of Saúl:

Saúl Peña Kolenkautsky was born in Jauja on August 23, 1932. He proudly shared that his father was from Jauja, and his mother was of Russian-Jewish descent. He was a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, graduating from the National University of San Marcos. He completed his postgraduate studies at the Institute of Psychiatry at the University of London and trained as a psychoanalyst at the Institute of the British Psychoanalytic Society, under the auspices of the Independent Group. He was also a founding member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the United Kingdom and a pioneer of psychoanalysis in Peru. He was one of the founders of the Peruvian Society of Psychoanalysis in January 1980. We will miss him very much. He analyzed with Paula Heimann, was a disciple of Winnicott, who supervised his cases with children and adolescents. He also learned from Adam Limentani, Charles Rycroft, Marion Milner, and Masud Khan. A visionary with a deep love for Peru and psychoanalysis, he returned from London and began supervising, working with groups, adults, children, and adolescents. He also began giving theoretical and technical seminars at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru and at the Institute of the Peruvian Society of Psychoanalysis. He initiated psychoanalysis in Peru in the 1970s. Saúl was adept at transmitting his learning, both in classes and in his daily interactions. He received multiple awards and distinctions, including the Grand Cross (2014), Doctor Honoris Causa from the Continental University of Huancayo (2012), recognition from the Regional Government of Junín in the category of Sol Libertario (2011), and honorary recognition for invaluable contributions to Peruvian medicine, with the Medal and Diploma of Honor for Merit and Extraordinary Merit from the Medical College of Peru and the Peruvian Psychiatric Association (2009). He was a Honorary Professor at the National University of San Marcos (2006), a Visiting Professor at the Peruvian University Cayetano Heredia, President of the Psychoanalytic Federation of Latin America FEPAL (1992-1994), Honorary President of the Peruvian Society of Psychoanalysis (1987), and received recognition from the Hermilio Valdizán Hospital upon the inauguration of the Dynamic Psychotherapy Service "Saúl Peña Kolenkautsky." He was a founding member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in London and the author of the book "Psychoanalysis of Corruption: Politics and Ethics in Contemporary Peru" (2003).

Saúl takes with him many stories heard, many lives saved, and leaves us a great legacy that honors us to continue. Generous, warm, and strong. Thank you for your life and your dedication to Peru and psychoanalysis. Soar high.

Graciela Cardó, President of SPP