Pope Leo XIV has appointed Monsignor John Gómez as the bishop of the Diocese of Laredo, Texas. Born in Colombia in 1975, Gómez is a priest formed at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, whose path has been marked by discretion and a key role in crucial moments for the Church in the United States.
His appointment comes at a time when the Church seeks shepherds with experience in delicate processes. Gómez, who served as vicar general of the Diocese of Tyler under Bishop Joseph Strickland, continued serving after Strickland's removal in 2023, first as delegate of the apostolic administrator and then as vicar general for the new bishop, Gregory Kelly.
This continuity in service, despite changes in leadership, reveals an ability to adapt and a commitment to the unity of the Church that are valuable in times of transition.
Gómez's Role in the Apostolic Visitation to Tyler
The Diocese of Tyler was the subject of an apostolic visitation ordered by the Vatican in 2023, after then-Bishop Strickland made public statements critical of Pope Francis. The visitation was requested by the new prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, Archbishop Robert Francis Prevost—who would later be elected pope as Leo XIV.
According to reports from CatholicVote, Monsignor Gómez helped organize meetings between the Vatican visitors and the clergy, religious, and laity of the diocese. This collaboration was essential for the Vatican envoys to gather first-hand information about the pastoral situation in Tyler.
The process culminated in Strickland's removal as bishop of Tyler in November 2023, a decision that generated controversy but was also seen by many as necessary to restore ecclesial communion. Gómez, amidst that storm, kept a low profile and focused on his pastoral work.
Lessons in Leadership During Times of Crisis
The story of Monsignor Gómez offers several lessons for Christians today. First, it reminds us that leadership in the Church is not always loud; sometimes the most faithful servants are those who work behind the scenes, facilitating difficult processes with humility and effectiveness.
Second, his ability to serve under different bishops, even after the removal of his former superior, shows a spirit of loyalty to the Church rather than to particular individuals. As Scripture says:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3, NIV).
Finally, this appointment invites us to reflect on how God raises up leaders in the midst of crises. They are not always the most famous or media-savvy, but those who have shown faithfulness in small things.
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things” (Matthew 25:21, NIV).
A Prayer for the New Bishop
As he takes up his new ministry in Laredo, Monsignor Gómez faces the challenge of shepherding a diverse community on the border between the United States and Mexico. We invite you to pray for him: that the Lord may grant him wisdom, patience, and a heart full of love for his flock.
We also encourage you to reflect: how are you responding to times of change in your own faith community? Are you willing to serve with humility, even when circumstances are uncertain? May the example of this new bishop inspire us all to be instruments of unity and peace in the Church.
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