Archbishop José H. Gomez marked 15 years of leadership in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, reflecting on his tenure and approach to serving the nation’s largest Catholic community, according to a March 18 article.
The milestone highlights Gomez’s long-standing commitment to his role, which he describes as a mission rather than just a job. His leadership has involved managing numerous responsibilities, from parish visits and school events to administrative duties and personal interactions with clergy and laity.
Auxiliary Bishop Brian Nunes said, “He doesn’t let the office consume him. He’s very down to earth.” Nunes worked closely with Archbishop Gomez for eight years as his priest secretary and vicar general. The archbishop’s priorities were outlined early in his tenure through a pastoral letter titled “Witness to the New World of Faith,” focusing on education in faith, vocations, Catholic identity and diversity, sanctity of life, and family values.
Gomez expressed encouragement at seeing young people participate actively in church life: “For me, as a bishop, to see so many young people participating in the life of the Church is just amazing.” He also noted the diversity within the archdiocese: “Everywhere I go, there are people from all over the world here. It’s the universal Church at its best.”
Leticia Ibarra recalled how Archbishop Gomez made efforts to connect personally with members of the Hispanic community and supported initiatives like founding a local chapter of the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders (CALL). She said, “He understands the Hispanic community… that gives a lot of safety for the Hispanic community.”
Kenny Lund described Gomez’s support for youth ministry projects such as Saint Edward Retreat Center: “With his help, we’ve gone from eight retreats a year to 65.” Lund also observed that Gomez delegates effectively within such a large organization.
During challenging times like his presidency of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Bishop Robert Barron said Gomez remained humble: “I never once saw him put on airs or demand special notice… He’s a man of tremendous simplicity, humility, and graciousness.”
Parishioners have appreciated Archbishop Gomez’s accessibility after Masses and his advocacy for immigrants. Pauline Bennett noted his clear stance on addressing priest sex abuse issues: “It was such a clear moral issue to him… it was good to have leadership saying clearly… that this was a great wrong and a great harm.”
Nunes concluded that Archbishop Gomez takes seriously every encounter with parishioners: “He understands that may be their one time ever meeting a bishop… he represents the Church to them.”
