The relationship between Archbishop Óscar Romero and the Catholic Church, particularly the Vatican, was complex and evolved over time. While he is now widely celebrated, during his lifetime and immediately after his assassination, his relationship with some elements within the Church was indeed strained. Here's a breakdown of the reasons:
* The Context of Liberation Theology: Romero's ministry took place during a time of immense social and political upheaval in El Salvador. He became a vocal advocate for the poor and oppressed, and his sermons often denounced government repression and human rights abuses. This put him squarely within the realm of Liberation Theology, a movement popular in Latin America that emphasized the Church's role in fighting for social justice. While Liberation Theology was welcomed by some within the Church, it was viewed with suspicion by others, including some Vatican officials, who feared its potential for Marxist infiltration and its challenge to traditional Church teachings about political neutrality.
* Conservatives Within the Church: Many conservative members of the Church hierarchy in El Salvador and the Vatican disagreed with Romero's approach. They felt that he was being too political, that he was siding with leftist guerrillas, and that his outspoken criticism of the government was destabilizing the country. Some believed that the Church should maintain a more neutral stance and focus on spiritual matters rather than getting involved in political conflicts. Some also had strong ties to the Salvadoran elite and were uncomfortable with Romero's criticism of the oligarchy.
* Misinformation and Accusations: Romero's opponents actively spread misinformation about him, accusing him of being a communist sympathizer and a demagogue. These accusations reached the Vatican and influenced some officials' perceptions of him. It's important to remember that the Cold War was ongoing, and any association with leftist movements was viewed with great suspicion in many quarters.
* Lack of Clear Support: While Pope Paul VI admired Romero, he provided limited public support. In the years following Romero's assassination, some Vatican officials were hesitant to embrace his legacy fully, partly due to the lingering controversies surrounding Liberation Theology. This perceived lack of support from the Vatican emboldened Romero's critics within the Church.
* His "Offensive" Theology: At the time, Romero was a polarizing figure because of his theology. This could be argued to be inspired by liberation theology, which was not looked on fondly at the Vatican.
It is important to note that the Church's stance towards Romero has changed dramatically in recent decades. Pope Francis canonized Romero as a saint in 2018, recognizing his martyrdom and his commitment to the poor. This canonization represents a significant shift in the Church's understanding and appreciation of Romero's legacy.