The Pope has appointed Archbishop José Gomez of San Antonio, Texas to succeed LA Cardinal Roger Mahony. Gomez would become the highest ranking Latino in the American Catholic Church and the first Latino Cardinal in the U.S.—leading an archdiocese that is 70% Hispanic. Archbishop Gomez was ordained under the Prelature of Opus Dei, signaling the Pope’s desire to promote conservative strains of Catholic thought in the American Church. What does Gomez’ affiliation with Opus Dei suggest about his interpretation of scripture? How will Gomez address allegations of abuse by priests? And, are Catholic Angelenos seeking more traditional Church leadership?
Guests:
Frank Stoltze, KPCC Reporter, (covering today’s news conference at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, in downtown Los Angeles, introducing Archbishop Jose Gomez)
John Allen, Jr, Senior Correspondent for The National Catholic Reporter and author of Opus Dei: An Objective Look Behind the Myths and Reality of the Most Controversial Force in the Catholic Church (Doubleday).