Archbishop Óscar Romero's Historic Appeal to the Salvadoran Armed Forces

On March 23, 1980, in a powerful and poignant sermon, Archbishop Óscar Romero of El Salvador delivered an impassioned plea to the Salvadoran armed forces, urging them to cease the violence against their fellow citizens. This speech, broadcasted through radio waves and shared in churches across the nation, marked a significant moment in the history of El Salvador and the Catholic Church’s response to human rights abuses.

At the time, El Salvador was engulfed in a civil war that began in the late 1970s, characterized by widespread social injustice, political repression, and escalating violence. Romero, who had been appointed Archbishop just over a year earlier, emerged as a vocal critic of the government’s human rights violations and the increasing militarization of the state.

In his sermon, Archbishop Romero addressed the military personnel directly, stating, "Brothers, you are killing your own people. No soldier is obliged to obey an order that contradicts the law of God." His words served as a moral call to action, emphasizing the sanctity of human life and the moral responsibilities of those in power.

Romero's message was not merely an abstract moral stance; it resonated deeply with the ongoing atrocities faced by the people of El Salvador. Throughout this tumultuous period, many civilians were subjected to brutal acts of violence, including extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and torture, often perpetrated by government forces. Romero’s strong stance against these horrors garnered both admiration and animosity.

Through the eyes of many, Romero became a symbol of hope and resistance. His sermons brought to light the injustices faced by the poor and marginalized, and he repeatedly called for peace, justice, and reconciliation. Despite the danger that accompanied his vocal opposition to the regime, Romero remained undeterred, steadfastly advocating for the rights of the oppressed.

The culmination of Romero's efforts came shortly after his sermon when, on March 24, 1980, he was assassinated while celebrating Mass in a small chapel. His death was not only a tragic loss for El Salvador but also a watershed moment that galvanized international attention and support for the human rights situation in the country.

Romero’s influence extended far beyond his lifetime. In 2015, Pope Francis canonized him as a saint, recognizing his profound commitment to social justice and human rights. Today, Romero is celebrated not only as a martyr but also as an enduring symbol of the struggle for justice and dignity throughout Latin America and beyond.

The legacy of Archbishop Óscar Romero continues to resonate in conversations around human rights and ecclesiastical responsibility. His call for the military to protect rather than harm their fellow citizens remains a relevant message in today’s myriad conflicts worldwide.

As we reflect on Romero's powerful sermon on that fateful day in March 1980, we are reminded of the importance of courage, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of oppression.