Who was made a saint recently? The Catholic Church announced the canonization of a remarkable figure, Archbishop Óscar Romero of San Salvador, on October 14, 2018. This decision was made by Pope Francis, who recognized Romero’s heroic virtues and dedication to the poor and oppressed during his time as bishop of San Salvador.
Archbishop Romero was born on August 15, 1917, in the small town of San Miguel, El Salvador. He studied for the priesthood at the Seminary of San Salvador and was ordained in 1942. Throughout his life, Romero was deeply committed to social justice and fought against the systemic poverty and inequality that plagued his country. He became bishop of San Salvador in 1977 and quickly gained a reputation as a champion for the poor and marginalized.
Under Archbishop Romero’s leadership, the Catholic Church in El Salvador became a powerful voice for social change. He openly criticized the government’s repressive policies and spoke out against the violence that was sweeping the country. Romero’s advocacy for human rights and his unwavering support for the poor earned him both admiration and enemies. He was assassinated on March 24, 1980, while celebrating Mass in the chapel of the Hospital of Divine Providence in San Salvador.
The assassination of Archbishop Romero sparked an international outcry and led to a global campaign for his canonization. His supporters argued that Romero’s life and death exemplified the Christian call to love one’s neighbor and to stand up against injustice. In 2015, Pope Francis declared Romero “Blessed,” a step towards sainthood. Finally, in 2018, Romero was officially canonized as a saint, becoming the first Salvadoran to be recognized by the Catholic Church in this way.
The canonization of Archbishop Romero has been celebrated by Catholics around the world. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of social justice and the courage it takes to stand up for what is right, even in the face of great danger. Romero’s legacy continues to inspire people to fight for peace, justice, and equality, both within El Salvador and beyond. His canonization is a testament to the enduring impact of his life and work, and it serves as a call to action for those who seek to build a more just and compassionate world.
