An archbishop gunned down more than 20 years ago will be beatified. The Catholic Church will bestow the honor on Archbishop Romero of El Salvador who is considered a martyr that perished during the Central American nation's civil war.

The Vatican announced last week that Monsignor Oscar Romero will be beatified on May 23, according to the Catholic Herald. Archibishop Vincenzo Paglia, postulator of Romero's sainthood, announced the Salvadorian archbishop's beatification while visiting the Central American country's capital.

Many within the Catholic Church as well as laypersons have worked toward recognizing the work Archbishop Romero did while he was alive. Pope Francis' ascension sped up the process. Pope Francis declared Archbishop Romero a martyr in February, stating he was killed "in hatred of the faith" and just for political reasons. By doing so, a miracle is no longer required for beatification; however, it is still required for canonization.

According to the Catholic News Agency, Archbishop Romero's beatification has struggled since the process started in 1993. The Congregation for the Causes of Saints unanimously decided to make Archbishop Romero a martyr.

The murder of Archbishop Romero in March 24, 1980, some argued was politically motivated as the deceased bishop was allegedly believed in liberation theology and spoke against the violence committed by the Salvadorian government and its right-wing militias.

Archbishop Romero held his post from 1977 until his death. Archbishop Paglia said during Archbishop Romero's tenure "kilos of letters against him arrived in Rome. The accusations were simple: He's political; he's a follower of liberation theology," according to the Catholic Herald.

The Congregation for the Causes of Saints had to wade through all these letters, as well as the thousands of letters sent in his support, before moving forward. However, his newly established martyrdom proved his death was not merely political but also religious because of Archbishop Romero's advocacy for the poor.

"He was killed at the altar," Archbishop Paglia said. "Through him, they wanted to strike the church that flowed from the Second Vatican Council."

Following the announcement, current Salvadorian president, Salvador Sanchez Ceren, thanked the Vatican for recognizing Archbishop Romero's sacrifice and work, according to TeleSur.