Msgr Jesus Delgado said Archbishop Romero was visited by proponents of liberation theology and they left him their books.

Msgr Delgado said he doubted the archbishop ever read them.

Liberation theology "was in opposition to what he preached, which is what the Church asks of all: conversion to Jesus, a personal encounter with Jesus", the monsignor said.

Romero's theology was focused on the presence of God among the poor, Msgr Delgado added.

Asked why the Vatican received negative reports for years about Archbishop Romero, Msgr Delgado said: "The Popes did not have a good understanding of the situation in Latin America. They were very prudent in response."

But Pope Francis, who does understand the situation, has made the right call in declaring Romero a martyr and unblocking his cause, Msgr Delgado said.

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