Why did El government see Oscar Romero as a threat?

Oscar Romero's vocal criticism of the Salvadoran government's human rights abuses and social injustices made him a threat to the regime's authority and stability. Romero used his position as Archbishop to speak out against the government's violence and repression, which included the killing, torture, and imprisonment of innocent civilians. His powerful sermons and calls for social change galvanized the masses, particularly the impoverished and marginalized communities, and challenged the government's narrative and control.

Romero's influence and popularity as a moral and spiritual leader gave him a significant platform and the ability to mobilize people. He became a symbol of resistance against the oppressive regime and inspired people to demand justice and human rights. This posed a direct challenge to the government's efforts to maintain power and control over the population.

Furthermore, Romero's advocacy for social reforms, such as land redistribution and better living conditions for the poor, directly confronted the interests and privileges of the country's wealthy elites and powerful landowners who held considerable sway over the government. His calls for structural changes and greater social equality threatened their economic and political dominance, making him a perceived enemy of their interests.

By speaking truth to power and demanding accountability, Oscar Romero became a significant threat to the Salvadoran government's ability to maintain its grip on society and suppress dissent. His influence, moral authority, and commitment to social justice made him a catalyst for change and a threat to the status quo, leading to his eventual assassination in 1980.