Monsignor Óscar Romero, hailed as the Bishop of the Poor, is a pivotal figure in El Salvadorian history, renowned for his tireless determination to stand against social injustice. He chose to use his position within the Catholic Church to support of the downtrodden and marginalized members of society. Romero’s life and work are characterized by fortitude and resistance in the face of oppressive state forces.
After being appointed Archbishop of San Salvador in 1977, Romero used his role to highlight the hardships faced by Salvadorians in the midst of civil unrest and government brutality. His weekly sermons, broadcast on national radio, often chronicled human rights abuses and provided a voice for the voiceless. He in no uncertain terms criticized the El Salvadorian regime and its often violent oppression of its citizens, and wasn’t hesitant to challenge powerful entities, such as the oligarchy and the military.
Despite receiving threats, Romero continued his advocacy without flinching, providing unyielding support for the oppressed. On March 24, 1980, while saying Mass in a hospital chapel, he was assassinated, becoming a martyr for his cause. His assassination marked a changing point that escalated the civil war in El Salvador, which lasted until 1992.
In 2018, the Vatican canonized Romero, recognizing him as a saint in the Catholic Church. Romero’s legacy lives on not only in El Salvador but in the global community. Throughout his life, he courageously stood against inequality and violence, using his pulpit to beckon for peace and justice. Monsignor Romero’s example of standing up for the marginalized and oppressed provides a universal message of courage, resilience, and hope for humanity.
The story of Romero’s life and his relentless fight for justice can be further explored in BBC’s Heart and Soul series, a BBC World Service profile on Romero, and a biography by Damian Zynda.
Last modified: March 24, 2025
