Petrus J. (the J. is probably for Joannes) Soffers is one of the most important and productive architects of Roman Catholic churches in early neo-Gothic style. Despite his importance, very little is known about his person. His father P. Soffers was a builder in Ginneken, now part of Breda, and the son had his architect's office in that same village. He probably was trained by his father and must have started working as an architect in ca. 1849. As an architect of churches he worked in the Breda diocese, which covered the western part of Noord-Brabant as well as the southern-most part of the province of Zeeland. In this diocese he had a dominant position, almost a monopoly, until he was succeeded by P.J. van Genk in the 1870's. Soffers' career also includes a minor seminary near Breda and several profane buildings, mainly houses.

Soffers' churches are mostly in a neo-Gothic style, with a few in neo-Classical or neo-Romanesque style. His work lacks a true understanding of Gothic construction. His vaults are constructions out of wood and plaster, and his towers are mostly integrated in the facade, an element inherited from neo-Classicism. Yet,  Soffers sometimes managed to successfully mimic medieval Gothic beyond the level of mere decoration. Many of his churches have been demolished or have been altered while several others are (destined to be) closed.

The following is a list of Soffers' religious buildings. It is possibly incomplete.