This week in Christian history: Dozens killed at archbishop's funeral, Reformation leader consecrated

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, March 28, 2021

Dozens killed at Oscar Romero’s funeral – March 30, 1980

This week marks the anniversary of when the funeral of assassinated St. Oscar Romero, the former archbishop of San Salvador, El Salvador, became violent and dozens of people were killed.

A prominent voice critical of state-sponsored repression, Romero was murdered days before while officiating mass at a hospital.

Although his funeral was attended by thousands of people, including several foreign dignitaries, only light security was offered for the large gathering.

During the solemn occasion, an unknown party let off at least one major explosion and gunshots, igniting massive panic. At least 40 people were killed and several others injured.

“Mexico's Cardinal Ernesto Corripto Ahumado, the representative of Pope John Paul II at the funeral, was delivering his tribute to slain archbishop Oscar Romero when the first bomb went off. Within seconds, wild bursts of gunfire erupted across the massive square,” reported The Washington Post at the time.

“Scores of people were trampled as the vast crowd tried to escape to sanctuary in the church. But they were blocked by an eight-foot high fence and closed gate intended to provide security for the ceremony,”