About

He served as archbishop from 1977 until his assassination in 1980. Romero was known for his advocacy of social justice and human rights in El Salvador, particularly for the country's marginalized and oppressed populations. Romero's transformation into a champion for the poor and oppressed came gradually during his time as archbishop. Initially seen as a conservative and moderate clergyman, his perspective shifted as he witnessed the increasing violence and repression imposed by the Salvadoran government and the military. His pastoral approach began to focus on the realities faced by the poor, and he became a prominent critic of the government's human rights abuses. As Romero escalated his calls for justice and equality, he faced increasing threats and hostility from various armed groups in El Salvador, including right-wing death squads. On March 24, 1980, Romero was assassinated while celebrating Mass in a small chapel. His murder shocked the world and drew international attention to the human rights crisis in El Salvador. After his death, Romero became a symbol of resistance against oppression and a martyr for the Catholic Church. Many viewed his murder as a watershed moment in the Salvadoran civil war, which lasted from 1980 to 1992. His legacy continues to inspire and influence individuals and organizations fighting for social justice and human rights globally. Romero's beatification process began in 1993 and culminated in 2015 when he was declared a martyr and beatified by Pope Francis. This beatification was a significant step towards Romero's canonization as a saint, which was officially announced by Pope Francis in 2018. Romero was canonized on October 14, 2018, making him the first Salvadoran saint and a symbol of hope for the oppressed worldwide.