Archbishop Romero was—and still is—defamed, Pope says in reflections on martyr's death

October 30, 2015

Pope Francis praised the witness of Blessed Oscar Romero, and denounced those who “defamed” the slain prelate, in an October 30 address to a group of pilgrims from El Salvador.

After a prepared address to the Salvadoran group, the Pope said that he wanted to add a few words. He remarked that after the death of Archbishop Romero—who was gunned down while celebrating Mass in March 1980, “he was defamed, slanders, his memory despoiled, and his martyrdom continued, even by his brothers in the priesthood and the episcopate.” He went on to say that Archbishop Romero “continues to be a martyr” because the slander continues to this day.

In his prepared text, the Pope had reminded his audience that the Church has always believed martyrdom nourishes the faith. He said that in light of the persecution of Christians in many places around the world today, we might anticipate “a rich harvest of holiness, justice, reconciliation, and love of God.”

No one is born a martyr, the Pope observed; God gives the grace for this special witness to individuals. However, the Pope said, all of the faithful should pray for the grace to bear witness even in adversity. Quoting Blessed Oscar Romero, said: “We must be willing to die for our faith, even if the Lord does not give us that honor.”

 

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Further information:

• Pope Francis: Martyrdom is a grace from God (Vatican Radio)
• The Pope on Blessed Oscar Romero: his impact is still felt in our time (VIS)
• Pope Denounces Priests, Bishops Who 'Defamed' Oscar Romero (AP)