Archbishop Óscar Romero of El Salvador gives his famous speech appealing to men of the El Salvadoran armed forces to stop killing the Salvadorans.

In the annals of the Catholic Church, few figures shine as brightly and tragically as Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez, a revered prelate from El Salvador whose unwavering commitment to social justice ultimately cost him his life. Born on August 15, 1917, Romero's journey from a seemingly conservative church leader to a passionate voice for the oppressed is a testament to the transformative power of faith in the face of immense human suffering.

Early Ecclesiastical Career and a Nation in Turmoil

Before his elevation to the highest ecclesiastical office in El Salvador, Romero served in various significant roles within the Catholic hierarchy. He was an auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese of San Salvador, held the titular bishopric of Tambeae, and later became the bishop of Santiago de María. Each step in his career honed his pastoral skills and deepened his understanding of the challenges facing his nation. However, it was his appointment as the fourth archbishop of San Salvador in 1977 that placed him at the heart of a rapidly escalating conflict. El Salvador was teetering on the brink of civil war, a brutal period marked by extreme political polarization, government repression, and the emergence of left-wing insurgencies. The society was fractured, with the powerful elite and military clashing violently with campesinos, students, and workers who demanded fundamental rights and dignity. Initially perceived as a social conservative, a man unlikely to rock the boat, Romero's path was irrevocably altered by a profound personal tragedy.

A Voice for the Voiceless: The Archbishop's Transformation

The turning point in Archbishop Romero's ministry came with the assassination of his close friend and fellow priest, Rutilio Grande, in March 1977. Grande, known for his work among the poor and marginalized, was gunned down alongside two parishioners. This brutal act shattered Romero's quiet demeanor and ignited within him an unyielding determination to speak truth to power. From that moment, Óscar Romero became an outspoken critic of the military government and the rampant human rights abuses plaguing El Salvador. He used his weekly homilies, broadcast widely, to denounce the violence, expose injustices, and call for peace and reconciliation. His sermons became a lifeline for many, providing comfort and hope amidst terror, and bravely naming those responsible for atrocities.

While often associated with liberation theology by its supporters, Romero himself, according to his biographers, wasn't explicitly interested in the academic tenets of the movement. Instead, he deeply adhered to traditional Catholic teachings on liberation, which emphasizes the "preferential option for the poor," and advocated for a social revolution rooted in interior reform and evangelization. His spiritual life, right up to his final days, was also significantly influenced by the spirituality of Opus Dei, further illustrating the nuanced nature of his theological stance.

Martyrdom and the Quest for Justice

Tragically, Archbishop Romero's courageous stand came at the ultimate price. On March 24, 1980, while celebrating Mass in the chapel of a hospital, he was assassinated by a single bullet. His death sent shockwaves across the globe and galvanized international attention on El Salvador's plight. Though no one was immediately convicted for the heinous crime, subsequent investigations, most notably by the UN-created Truth Commission for El Salvador, concluded that Major Roberto D'Aubuisson, a notorious leader and founder of the far-right Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA) political party, had ordered the killing. D'Aubuisson, a powerful figure implicated in numerous atrocities, never faced justice for Romero's murder.

A Lasting Legacy: From Servant to Saint

In the decades following his martyrdom, the calls for Romero's official recognition by the Church grew steadily. In 1997, Pope John Paul II initiated the process by bestowing upon him the title of "Servant of God." Although the cause for his beatification faced delays, it was warmly reopened by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. Finally, a pivotal moment arrived on February 3, 2015, when Pope Francis declared Óscar Romero a martyr, clearing the path for his beatification just a few months later on May 23, 2015. During the beatification ceremony, Pope Francis powerfully declared that Romero's "ministry was distinguished by his particular attention to the most poor and marginalized," highlighting the core of his impactful life. The journey culminated on October 14, 2018, when Pope Francis officially canonized him, elevating him to sainthood as Saint Óscar Romero.

Romero's influence extends far beyond the Catholic Church. In 2010, the United Nations General Assembly, recognizing his profound role in defending human rights, proclaimed March 24 (the anniversary of his assassination) as the "International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims." He actively championed the rights of the most vulnerable, upholding principles of protecting lives, promoting human dignity, and steadfastly opposing all forms of violence. His successors, such as Archbishop José Luis Escobar Alas, have even petitioned Pope Francis to proclaim Romero a Doctor of the Church, an acknowledgment of his orthodox teachings and their significant impact on Catholic philosophy and theology.

Today, Saint Óscar Romero is widely regarded as an unofficial patron saint of the Americas and El Salvador, often lovingly referred to by Salvadoran Catholics as "San Romero" or "Monseñor Romero." His veneration transcends Catholicism, with other Christian denominations, including the Church of England and the broader Anglican Communion, honoring him in their liturgical calendars. A powerful symbol of peace and justice, Romero is also one of the ten 20th-century martyrs commemorated with a statue above the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey in London, solidifying his place among history's most impactful figures.

Frequently Asked Questions about Archbishop Óscar Romero

Who was Óscar Romero?
Óscar Romero was a Salvadoran Catholic prelate who served as the fourth Archbishop of San Salvador. He became a vocal critic of his country's military government and spoke out against social injustice and violence during the tumultuous period leading up to the Salvadoran Civil War.
When was Óscar Romero born and when did he die?
He was born on August 15, 1917, and tragically assassinated on March 24, 1980, while celebrating Mass.
Why is Óscar Romero famous?
He is famous for his courageous advocacy for human rights, his defense of the poor and marginalized, and his eventual martyrdom. He is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church and widely recognized globally as a symbol of justice and peace.
What was his connection to the Salvadoran Civil War?
As Archbishop, Romero openly condemned the atrocities and human rights violations committed by the military government and right-wing death squads, which were key factors in the outbreak and intensity of the Salvadoran Civil War. His assassination is seen as a pivotal event in the conflict.
Was he a proponent of liberation theology?
While his actions resonated with many supporters of liberation theology, biographers note that Romero himself was not primarily interested in the academic school of thought. He instead faithfully adhered to traditional Catholic teachings, particularly the "preferential option for the poor," desiring social change through interior reform and evangelization.
When was Óscar Romero declared a saint?
He was beatified by Pope Francis on May 23, 2015, and subsequently canonized as Saint Óscar Romero by Pope Francis on October 14, 2018.
What is the "International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims"?
This international day, observed annually on March 24, was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010. It commemorates Óscar Romero's life and work in defense of human rights and serves as a day to recognize victims of human rights abuses and the importance of truth and justice.