US bishops call for aid to Latin America on anniversary of archbishop’s death
March 25, 2011
Marking the anniversary of the Archbishop Oscar Romero’s assassination, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is calling upon the US government to “do more for the people of Latin America” and has renewed its call for immigration reform.
“This week’s visit of President Obama to Archbishop Romero’s tomb reminds us of the Archbishop’s powerful legacy,” said Bishop Howard Hubbard, of Albany, chairman of the USCCB Committee on International Justice and Peace. “He spoke with courage to political leaders to champion justice and peace, and we must do the same today.”
“We also call on our political leaders to address the root causes of migration by working to reduce poverty, promote educational and economic opportunities, and protect human rights,” Bishop Hubbard added. “These were causes for which Archbishop Romero was martyred, and they remain our causes today.”
Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, added that “Archbishop Romero defended the rights of poor and marginalized persons of his day.”
“Today, moved by his example, we urge the President and the Congress to reach out to those at the margins of our society by adopting comprehensive immigration reform,” he added. “The Church is committed to Latin America; we ask our government to do more for the people of the region.”
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Further information:
- On Anniversary of Archbishop Romero’s Death, Bishops Call U.S. to Do More for Latin America (USCCB)
- UN, Church leaders mark anniversary of Archbishop Romero's assassination (CWN, 3/24)
- Obama pays tribute to Archbishop Romero (CWN, 3/24)
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