Romero remembered as voice for victims of human rights violations
(Vatican Radio) March 24th is recognized as an international day for the victims of human rights violations, in honour of the Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero who was murdered while saying Mass on this day in 1980. He was shot dead by hired assassins because he had become an increasingly outspoken opponent of the El Salvador’s government and military leadership, making public each week a list of the victims of the civil war.
Across Latin America Romero has long been revered by many as ‘the voice of voiceless’, an inspirational figure for all who struggle to uphold the gospel values of human dignity, justice and peace. In February this year Pope Francis approved a decree saying that Romero had been killed out of “hatred for his faith”, paving the way for his beatification which is scheduled to take place in San Salvador on May 23rd.
Among those who’ve been personally inspired by Romero’s dedication to the poorest and most vulnerable is the former director of the English Catholic aid agency CAFOD, Julian Filochowsky, who also heads the London based Romero Trust.
Listen to Philippa Hitchen’s report: