Saint Library
March 24modernRoman

Óscar Romero

Bishop

Sanctified Life

1917 — 1980

Ciudad Barrios, El Salvador

Also Known As

Monseñor Romero

Patronage

El Salvador,Christian communicators,

"Aspire not to have more, but to be more."

The Archbishop of San Salvador who became the 'voice of the voiceless' during his country's civil war. His path of outspoken advocacy for the poor and opposition to military violence led to his assassination at the altar while celebrating Mass, becoming a martyr for the Gospel of justice.

Óscar Romero
Historical Legacy

Historical Journey

The Saint's Path

Tracing the major movements of Óscar Romero's life.
Historical Summary (Wikidata)
Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez (15 August 1917 – 24 March 1980) was a prelate of the Catholic Church in El Salvador who served as the fourth Archbishop of San Salvador. He spoke out against poverty, social injustice, assassinations, and torture. In 1980, Romero was assassinated while celebrating Mass in the chapel of the Hospital of Divine Providence. Though no one was ever convicted for the crime, investigations by the UN-created Truth Commission for El Salvador concluded that Major Roberto D'Aubuisson, a death squad leader and founder of the right-wing Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA) political party, had ordered the killing. Pope Francis beatified Romero on 23 May 2015 and canonized him on 14 October 2018.
Canonization: saint

Historical Depiction

Historical depiction of Saint Óscar Romero

Wikimedia Commons Source

Tradition

Liberation theology

Titles & Roles

• Catholic archbishop• activist

Writings

book

The Violence of Love

A collection of his homilies and writings calling for peace and justice.

Sacred Symbols

microphone

Voice of the Voiceless

purple stole

Episcopal Service

Life Journey

Early Life

A quiet, conservative priest and bishop, dedicated to books and maintaining church order.

The Turning Point

The assassination of his friend Fr. Rutilio Grande in 1977, which awakened him to the suffering of the poor.

Historical Legacy

Became the 'Voice of the Voiceless,' broadcasting weekly sermons against violence until his assassination at the altar.