With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
LA Catholics welcome coadjutor archbishop
Archbishop Jose H. Gomez (C) and Cardinal Roger Mahony (R) take part in a welcoming Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels May 26, 2010 in downtown Los Angeles, California.
(
Reed Saxon-Pool/Getty Images
)
Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, center, with Cardinal Roger Mahony, right during a welcoming Mass marking the start of Gomez's ministry at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles Wednesday, May 26, 2010. The Mexican-born Gomez was previously archbishop of San Antonio, and an auxiliary bishop in Denver. Gomez will become the first Hispanic archbishop of the nation's most populous archdiocese when Cardinal Roger Mahony retires at age 75 in February, 2011.
(
AP Photo
)
Listen
0:54
LA Catholics welcome coadjutor archbishop
LA Catholics welcome coadjutor archbishop
The future leader of the nation's most populous Roman Catholic archdiocese was welcomed Wednesday with standing ovations in a religious service marked by clear indications that support for immigrants will be a priority.
The Mass of Reception marked the start of Coadjutor Archbishop Jose Gomez's ministry as an assistant to Cardinal Roger Mahony, who will retire next February.
Gomez then automatically becomes the archbishop without ceremony. Gomez will assume full leadership of the Archdiocese which encompasses nearly 300 perishes and more than four million Catholics in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. It's the largest Archdioces in the United States and an international platform for the Catholic Church.
Mahony appeared eager to turn over the reins, inviting Gomez to sit in his chair in the packed Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels.
Sponsored message
Born in Monterrey, Mexico, the 58-year-old Gomez will become the first Hispanic archbishop of the Los Angeles archdiocese at a time when illegal immigration from Mexico is a heated political issue. Gomez is a naturalized U.S. citizen.
He most recently headed the San Antonio Archdiocese.
He promised to stand tough against child abuse in the church and to continue Mahony's emphasis on immigrant rights. Gomez is member of Opus Dei. His appointment by the Pope increases the influence of that conservative Catholic order.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
