Westminster: Wreath-laying for Blessed Oscar Romero

Ambassador Romero stands by wreath image: Sophie Stanes

A wreath-laying ceremony for Blessed Oscar Romero, took place on Tuesday at Westminster Abbey. The Venerable Andrew Tremlett, Sub-Dean, Rector of St Margaret's, and Archdeacon of Westminster welcomed HE Ambassador Werner Matías Romero who laid the wreath on the steps of the West Door of the Abbey.

Oscar Romero (15 August 1917 - 24 March 1980) served as the fourth Archbishop of San Salvador. Week by week from his pulpit during his three years as Archbishop, Romero confronted the military regime which governed El Salvador in Central America. He denounced the human rights violations, the political violence, the corrupt system of justice, the iniquitous land tenure system, and the suffering of El Salvador's poor.

On 24 March 1980 he was shot dead as he celebrated Mass in the chapel of the hospital where he lived. He is one of the 20th Century Martyrs whose statues were placed in 1998 above the Great West Door of the Abbey. He was beatified by Pope Francis on 23 May 2015.

In 1978, British Parliamentarians nominated Archbishop Romero for the Nobel Peace Prize. After the wreath laying ceremony, a reception was held in the Houses of Parliament to mark this event. (Further report to follow).