Archbishop José Horacio Gómez has been named Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles. He will succeed Cardinal Roger Mahony as the head of the nation's largest diocese upon Cardinal Mahony's retirement in February 2011.
Some facts concerning Archbishop Gomez...
* He was born in 1951 and ordained as an Opus Dei priest in 1978
* He is a Mexican native who became an American citizen
* He is presently serving as Archbishop of San Antonio
* He is active in the Hispanic community, but Archbishop Chaput notes that "his impact and friendships [have gone] well beyond the Hispanic community" (Note: The Archdiocese of Los Angeles is estimated to be 70% Hispanic)
* He holds bachelor's degrees in "accounting, philosophy and theology"
* He has served as president of the National Association of Hispanic Priests
* He has been named by Time Magazine as one of the 25 most influential Hispanics in the U.S.
* He has served as chairman of the Committee on Cultural Diversity in the Church
Archbishop Gomez said he is "deeply grateful" for the appointment to lead the Los Angeles archdiocese and indicated that he will entrust his ministry to Our Lady of Guadalupe. A Mass of Reception for Archbishop Gomez will be held on May 26. He will continue to work alongside Cardinal Mahony until the Cardinal's retirement. It is speculated that he will "guide the Los Angeles church along a more traditional - some would say conservative - path" than his notoriously liberal predecessor.
And for some final good news: Archbishop Gomez is credited with "allowing the Traditional Latin Mass into the mainstream of Catholic life" in San Antonio and "reversing some of the more liberal-leaning initiatives of his predecessor."
Welcome Archbishop Gomez!
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