While ad limina meetings are taking place at the Vatican, the USCCB elected their new episcopal president, Archbishop José Horacio Gómez from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
He was elected Tuesday, during the General Assembly meeting in Baltimore from Nov. 11-14, and was even predicted as the previous vice president.
MSGR. ROBERT DEELEY
Bishop Diocese of Portland, Maine
“The trend is the vice president becomes the president. So, you know, I think if you're a betting person, you would, that would be where you would probably want to put your money.'
For him to be willing to put his name forward and to have served so beautifully as Vice President, which of course in the last year, because of Cardinal DiNardo's illness, he has had to carry a lot of the responsibility. He has done a wonderful job.
One of the topics close to Gómez's heart is immigration. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, he's the first person of Hispanic descent to be the USCCB president.
MSGR. JUAN BETANCOURT
Bishop, Diocese of Hartford
“Having Archbishop Gomez as the president. Well this [immigration] is something that he will take care, of course, because all bishops want that. He as the president, he is the spokesperson of all of us. He represents us. So I know he's very sensitive to this issue.”
Through his heart for the migrant, Archbishop Gómez is also is closely aligned with Pope Francis, who has often spoken on the issue. The pope also mentioned it during the ad limina meetings with the bishops in Rome.
MSGR. JUAN BETANCOURT
Bishop, Diocese of Hartford
“I'm glad that the Holy Father yesterday, in our audience, he mentioned that to the bishops - to do whatever we can. It's about, like I said before, it's about human dignity. Every country has the duty, the responsibility and the right to keep the border safe or their own country. But, when people leave their home, it's because that's the only choice they have.”
The U.S. bishops believe this theme and the new president of the USCCB could unite them even closer with Rome, all the way from North America.
Melissa Butz
