Romero

During the 1977 presidential election, public unrest climbs as rumors of fraud spread. Soldiers block a bus carrying voters to towns, and when people begin to walk, they shoot at the vans to prevent the return journey. The scene captures a climate of intimidation that suppresses ordinary participation in the vote.

The anti-communist military dictatorship uses death squads to abduct, torture and disappear anyone who speaks about human rights abuses. The regime's terror aims to silence dissent and maintain control over the population.

The Vatican elevates Oscar Arnulfo Romero to Archbishop of San Salvador, hoping he will stay out of politics. He is initially cautious and avoids confrontation with the government, trying to steer a careful path.

As he spends more time as archbishop, Romero witnesses deception, oppression, and systemic murder by the regime. He cannot ignore the mounting injustices and begins to speak out, even at personal risk.

The assassination of Father Rutilio Grande shocks Romero and deepens his resolve to act. The killing demonstrates the regime's willingness to strike at church allies and the poor.

Romero begins to publicly challenge the government's oppression and human rights abuses. His outspoken stance heightens the regime's scrutiny and endangers him and his flock.

In retaliation to Romero's voice, the regime orders death squads to target priests across his archdiocese. The church becomes a focal point of risk and resistance amid growing violence.

A botched ransom attempt to rescue a pro-government hostage fails, and Romero learns that his friend Fr. Osuna has been captured and tortured. He works to secure Osuna's release despite the personal danger this entails.

After securing Osuna's release, Romero instigates a boycott of the president-elect's inauguration. He defies the regime by saying Mass in a church the military has taken over as a barracks, signaling a bold act of resistance.

Romero attempts to secure the release of a soldier held by guerrillas and is arrested in the process. The incident underscores the peril of interceding in the conflict and the regime's tightening grip.

Despite Romero's protests, Fr. Osuna is tortured to death by the regime. The murder deepens the church's pain and reinforces Romero's commitment to nonviolence amidst brutal repression.

Romero is assassinated while saying Mass, specifically during the consecration. His death shocks the nation and resonates around the world as a powerful symbol of resistance.

The film ends with a note that by 1992, when the Salvadoran Civil War ended, the total number of Salvadorans killed had risen to over 75,000. The distant shadow of Romero's stand lingers over the nation's struggle for justice.