Julio O. Torres

The Reluctant Prophet: a Psychobiography of Archbishop Oscar Romero Julio O. Torres

The transformation of Archbishop Romero from conservative priest to international human rights icon has puzzled the millions of people influenced by his example. In this work the author endeavors, using the psychological and theological tools available, to understand this remarkable process. The books follows Romero from chidhood through his humble beginnings as a country priest to his elevation to the highest position in the hierarchy and attempts to understand the process leading to his conversion. For this purpose he interviewed Romero?s relatives and close friends and associates. The picture that emerges is that of a deeply conflicted man who struggled with his own pathology and reached the heights of heroism to the point of martyrdom. The book may prove helpful to those involved in the ongoing work of personal and social transformation by bringing the figure of one of the greatest persons of the twentieth century closer to us as a human being an a model for emulation. It is also a novel contribution to the growing field of Romero Studies.