Saint Óscar Romero

Saint Óscar Romero was a Catholic archbishop from El Salvador who became a powerful voice for justice during a time of violence and fear. His life and death continue to inspire people around the world - especially those who work for peace, equality and human dignity.

Early life and priesthood

Saint Óscar Romero was born in 1917 in San Miguel, El Salvador. Aged 14, he entered the youth seminary of San Miguel before travelling to Italy to continue his studies. He was ordained a priest in Rome in 1942.

Upon returning to El Salvador after his ordination, Romero was first assigned as a priest in his hometown, where he grew a reputation for his passionate sermons and dedicating his time to visiting prisons and organising catechism classes.

Over time, Romero was appointed as a bishop in the capital city of San Salvador, where he gained popularity among the conservative and elite upper class of El Salvador. They saw Romero as sympathetic to their views given his notable critiques of ‘politicised priests’ who were encouraging the laity to take an active role in bringing about changes to El Salvador’s social and political systems. 

When Romeo was made Archbishop of San Salvador in February 1977, many believed he would curb the church of the liberation theology movement that had taken root.

However, things changed when just one month later, Romero’s friend, Fr Rutilio Grande, SJ, and two companions were ambushed and killed on their way to Mass. Fr Grande had been very outspoken against the government on behalf of the poor and many believed this led to his assassination. 

After the murder of his friend, Romero refused to attend any government ceremonies or events, which fuelled tension between the Archbishop and political powers, as well as conservatives within the church.

Political unrest

By the late 1970s, El Salvador was on the brink of civil war. Many people lived in poverty while a small number held power and wealth. Protests were growing, and the government often responded with force. Violence was common, and the poor were often the ones who suffered the most.

In 1979, a military coup removed the sitting president. But the new rulers did not bring real reform. Instead, state violence increased. Death squads - paramilitary groups with links to the military - began targeting students, trade unionists, priests and others seen as critics of the regime. In response, a coalition of five leftist guerrilla groups came together to form the FMLN and launched a rebellion. The violence would be extreme on both sides. 

By the end of 1979, things were becoming increasingly more violent, and Romero was receiving death threats. Despite these and other dangers, he continued to speak out against injustice. He said, 

“I want to clarify one point. The news of death threats to my person have been much repeated… I want to assure you, and I ask your prayers that I be faithful to this promise, that I will not abandon my people, rather I will run the same risks with them that my ministry requires.” (11 November 1979) 

Assassination

Óscar Romero was assassinated on 24 March 1980. He was murdered by a single shot fired at him while he celebrated Mass at the Hospital of Divine Province in San Salvador. 

The day before he died, he asked the government and the army to stop the violence against the people in El Salvador. He said, 

“In the name of God, and in the name of this suffering people whose cries rise to heaven more loudly each day, I beg you, I implore you, I order you, in the name of God, stop the repression!”

Romero's burial took place in the Cathedral of San Salvador on March 30, 1980. Over 250,000 people came to say a last farewell, but the violence continued even at his funeral. Over 30 people died, and many more suffered injuries. Witnesses claimed that army snipers fired from the roof of the National Palace. 

For a long time, no one was held accountable for Romero's murder. However, in 1992 Truth Commission looking into the most serious human rights violations that occurred during the war concluded that Romero’s death had been ordered by the Alianza Republicana Nacionalista (National Republican Alliance, ARENA), a conservative government party who were connected with death squads and military intelligence groups.

Sainthood

After his death, there were lots of calls for Romero to be made a saint; however, there was also a great deal of resistance within the church by those who opposed his theology and felt his assassination was ordered for political rather than religious motives.

However, in 2015, Pope Francis declared Óscar Romero a martyr saying that he was killed, “in hatred of the faith.” Just three years later, on 14 October 2018, Pope Francis canonised Óscar Romero along with six others.

In 2020, Pope Francis also declared that Fr Rutilio Grande, SJ and his companions, Manuel Solorzano and Nelson Lemus, were martyred in hatred of the faith as well. This opens the way to them being officially recognised as 'Blessed.‘

Legacy

Since Romero’s death, gangs and cartels have expanded their influence, and violence continues in El Salvador to this day. The country currently has one of the world’s highest murder rates, with poor and marginalised communities most strongly affected.

Romero’s impact is still felt both in El Salvador and around Latin America, where he’s informally named ‘San Romero de las Americas.’ You’ll find many murals of him throughout El Salvador, depicting his life, assassination and the community he fought for. They also often contain his quotes, such as this one, which reads: “If they kill me, I will rise in my people.”

Many Salvadorans keep Saint Óscar Romero’s memory and example alive in the face of continued violence. Tina Hernandez was fortunate enough to meet Romero. She says:

“When I was 19, Óscar Romero came to celebrate Mass in my community. I united the local children and brought them along. He saw that I was trying to inspire young people and we started talking about God and our faith. He was like a saint to me.  He was so friendly and calm, and really understood what people were saying."

It’s difficult to find words to describe the impact he’s had on El Salvador. The Church now has a stronger position in the community. He’s shown the Church that they must always fight for the poor people in the community. He taught the people and the Church to love each other.”

Saint Óscar Romero was faithful to God and to his community until his death. Even though it was difficult, he never walked away from the path before him-the path of righteousness and faithfulness to the Lord. Romero’s death while celebrating Mass shows us how deeply committed he was to the Sacrament and the promise of the Resurrection. 

May we look to Saint Óscar Romero for inspiration in our own lives when we too face hard paths to follow and the fear of doing what we know is right. Let his unwavering faith in God provide you with comfort and inspiration during your own trials in this life.

SCIAF in El Salvador

Since the civil war ended in 1992, El Salvador has had a democratically elected government; however, poor communities still face violence, and the country has one of the world’s highest murder rates. Violence has grown in the past decade as gangs and cartels expand their influence.   

We are inspired by our patron, Saint Oscar Romero, to speak out against injustice in the world. We believe in giving people in need a hand up, not a handout. We’re part of Caritas, the Catholic Church’s global network of international development charities.  

SCIAF works with poor communities to help them grow more food so they can feed their families. We also provide support to people who have suffered debilitating injuries during the civil war.