El Salvador Archives

Amid political crisis, Salvadoran bishops call for ‘authentic democracy’

May 7, 2021

After international outcry following moves that consolidated power over El Salvador into the hands of the president, the Central American country’s Catholic bishops expressed worry and urged lawmakers to guide citizens into a “truly democratic state.”

By Rhina Guidos

Trial hearings begin on Salvadoran massacre U.S. may have known about

May 7, 2021

An expert witness testified to the “illegal” presence of a high-ranking U.S. military adviser who may have known about the plot to kill nearly 1,000 civilians who perished in El Mozote, El Salvador, nearly 40 years ago.

By Rhina Guidos

With new lawmakers, El Salvador descends into political chaos

May 4, 2021

Within hours of taking over the reins of the legislative assembly, lawmakers aligned with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele voted May 1 to get rid of five of the country’s top judges as well as the country’s attorney general, who is said to be investigating wrongdoing at the top levels of government.

By Rhina Guidos

A trade of false promises and economic illusions feed some migrants’ dreams

Apr 10, 2021

Felipe Abrego, of El Salvador’s Diocese of Chalatenango, who has seen countless friends and family leave the agricultural region over the years, said that often townsfolk know of a point person, a “fixer” in town connected to what are commonly called “coyotes,” or smugglers.

By Rhina Guidos

A season for resurrection arrives for El Salvador’s Catholic war victims

Apr 1, 2021

The Church is doing its best to heal El Salvador, with help from organizations such as CONABÚSQUEDA, whose purpose is to investigate and determine what happened to adult victims of El Salvador’s armed conflict, which left more than 75,000 dead and 7,000 to 10,000 disappeared

By Rhina Guidos

Chasing a dream because of a rumor, some Central Americans head to border

Mar 28, 2021

In his first news conference as president, President Joe Biden said his administration was working with officials in Mexico to take in families who had been turned away. They would not be allowed into the U.S.

By Rhina Guidos

Despite pandemic and strife, El Salvador gathers to remember St. Romero

Mar 26, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic put a damper on last year’s celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of St. Oscar Romero’s martyrdom.

By Rhina Guidos

El Salvador’s recent election may test Biden’s plan to stem immigration

Mar 6, 2021

Weeks before legislative elections in February, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele kept trying to tamp down a report by The Associated Press that Biden administration officials had refused him a meeting during an impromptu trip he made to Washington.

By Rhina Guidos