Los Angeles, Calif., Apr 6, 2010 / 09:50 am
Following the Vatican's announcement of his new appointment this morning, Archbishop Jose H. Gomez says that he is “deeply grateful” for being named the Coadjutor Archbishop of Los Angeles, California, the largest diocese in the United States.
Archbishop Gomez currently serves as archbishop of San Antonio, Texas and will now serve alongside Cardinal Roger Mahony in L.A., taking his position when he retires on February 27, 2011.
Archbishop Gomez's remarks for a press conference at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels were published ahead of the event. In those comments he says, “words cannot fully describe my feelings” but “I am very grateful to the Holy Father for giving me this opportunity to serve the Church with a mentor and leader like Cardinal Roger Mahony.”
“I’m especially grateful – very deeply grateful – to Cardinal Mahony himself and to my brother bishops, priests and deacons here in Los Angeles, for the warmth and good will they’ve shown me since learning of my appointment,” he adds.