The time has finally arrived when we know where and when Msgr. Óscar Romero will be canonized.
POPE FRANCIS
“On the 14th of the month of October in the year 2018, he will be inscribed in the catalog of the Saints.”
The bishops of El Salvador thank Pope Francis for his driving force behind the process. They also show their joy to soon see his official title as saint, even though many had already considered him St. Romero of America.
CARD. GREGORIO ROSA CHÁVEZ
Auxiliar Bishop of San Salvador
“I represented the country this morning, the Salvadoran people. I heard the announcement before any other person, and that is an extraordinary privilege. The pope personally invited me. Then I was able to greet him and the Secretary of State, what more could you ask for? Also the cardinals were very happy. They approached me to congratulate me and tell me things about Romero that I did not know. It fills you with joy, gratitude and emotion. So it was an unforgettable morning. Another possibility is open. We will see what the Vatican says about the idea of the pope passing through El Salvador when he goes to Panama. They still have to talk about it. I know they like the idea and even the pope liked it. So let's hope it's possible to have that pleasure next year, that the pope will be with us in El Salvador.”
It's been a long process. The diocesan phase of his beatification cause began in 1994. It ended in 1996 and then the process went to Rome. In the Vatican the cause was halted for a long time. Benedict XVI tried to unblock it in the last part of his pontificate, but it was Pope Francis who gave the final push.
In 2015, the Church recognized that Óscar Romero died a martyr, killed for hatred of the faith. He was beatified in a massive ceremony that same year in San Salvador. Now, after the announcement made by the pope, Monsignor Óscar Romero is only one step away from being declared a saint.
