On March 24, 1980, Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated while celebrating Mass, marking a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church and the broader struggle for human rights in El Salvador. His legacy as a martyr, recognized by Pope Francis in 2018, continues to inspire acts of justice amidst ongoing social turmoil in many parts of the world.
Born in El Salvador in 1917, Romero endured challenging beginnings as a carpenter's apprentice before entering seminary and eventually arriving in Rome, where he was ordained a priest in 1942. Over the years, he served various roles within the Church, from parish priest to rector of the seminary in San Salvador, all the while quietly serving his community and helping those in need.
In 1970, Romero became auxiliary bishop of San Salvador and was appointed bishop of Santiago de María in 1974, a position he used to focus on pastoral work in the impoverished rural areas of El Salvador. Yet, it was his appointment as archbishop of San Salvador in 1977 that truly transformed him, as he witnessed the violations against human rights perpetrated by the government against the very people he served. The murder of a close friend and fellow priest ignited a passion for advocating for the oppressed.
During a homily on that fateful day in 1980, Romero spoke of the need to embody Christ's message, urging his listeners to offer “our body and our blood to suffering and to pain—like Christ, not for self, but to impart notions of justice and peace to our people.” His words were prophetic. As he turned to prepare the Eucharist, a sniper's bullet struck him in the chest, leaving him mortally wounded within minutes.
Romero’s assassination sent shockwaves through the Church and beyond. Historically, the murder of an archbishop within a place of worship is a gruesome act that underscores the violent tensions within the socio-political landscape of El Salvador at that time. Like Thomas Becket before him, Romero became a martyr for his faith and a victim of political oppression.
Pope Francis poignantly regarded Romero’s life, writing in 2015 that his beautification was a “cause for great joy.” This sentiment culminated in Romero’s canonization three years later. In a world filled with turmoil, Romero’s commitment to the poor and his fearless pursuit of justice render him a symbol of hope for current and future generations.
According to Romero's friend, Jesuit martyr Ignacio Ellacuria, the archbishop had hoped built upon two foundational pillars: his profound knowledge of the Salvadoran people and the belief that God stands as a beacon of life rather than death, thus indicating a path forward even under dire circumstances.
As we commemorate the 45th anniversary of Romero's assassination in 2025, the message is clear. Pope Francis has invited the faithful to become “Pilgrims of Hope,” encouraging all to seek peace and to promote nonviolence in a world still recovering from the scars of war and violence. Romero's legacy underlines that the first sign of hope is manifested in our collective desire for peace.
Romero's life was not solely political but rather deeply rooted in the teachings of the Gospels. His perspective on peace is a powerful reminder. He said, “Peace is not the product of terror or fear. Peace is not the silence of cemeteries,” but rather it is the shared, generative contribution of all to the common good. Romero lived and died defending this principle.
Even now, his message resonates amid ongoing global injustices, as people continue to advocate for the dignity of all—especially the marginalized. His assertion that God does not desire a world divided by wealth or poverty, but one where “we share the good things that God has given for all of us,” serves as a vital call to action.
The spirit of Romero challenges us to live our faith positively. “It is not enough to be good,” he cautioned, highlighting that mere non-engagement in wrongdoing does not equate to a life of impactful faith. His own journey illustrates that one must actively work towards justice and equity for all people.
As his life and martyrdom continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps, we honor both his death and the life of service that he led. Romero’s legacy urges us to rise against oppression and to serve the least of these in our communities. Today, on this anniversary, may we reaffirm our commitment to embodying the hope and justice that Romero exemplified, fostering a world where all are affirmed as precious in the eyes of God.
