In El Salvador, the slain Salvadoran Catholic Archbishop Oscar Arnulfo Romero was honored Wednesday on the thirtieth anniversary of his assassination. Known as the “voice of the voiceless,” Romero was a prominent advocate for the poor and a leading critic of the US-backed Salvadoran military government. He was killed while delivering mass at a hospital chapel by members of a US-backed death squad. On Wednesday, Salvadoran President Mauricio Funes apologized for Romero’s killing on behalf of the Salvadoran government.

Mauricio Funes: “I ask forgiveness from the thousands of families who were affected by this type of illegal and unacceptable violence, and especially to members of the religious communities represented by the spirit of Monsignor Romero and who maintain alive his legacy of peace and respect for human rights. Again, as president of the republic, I ask for forgiveness in the name of the Salvadoran state for this assassination that occurred thirty years ago and which took our best patriot from us.”

Funes’ statement marks the first time the Salvadoran government has taken responsibility for Romero’s murder.