Most Reverend José H. Gomez
Archbishop of Los Angeles
Hall of Justice
Los Angeles, California
February 20, 2023
And I want to thank you all for being here, and especially for your concern for Bishop David O’Connell.
Bishop Dave was a good friend to Los Angeles.
Out of his love for God, he served this city for more than forty years, as an immigrant from Ireland. And I would say that among the many things that I admired in him in his life and ministry was that he was fluent in Spanish with an Irish accent.
Every day he worked to show compassion to the poor, to the homeless, to the immigrant, and to all those living on society’s margins.
He was a good priest and a good bishop, and a man of peace. And we are very sad to lose him.
I am very grateful to Sheriff Luna and to his investigative team for their hard work in bringing a suspect into custody.
So on behalf of the entire Catholic community, we want to express our gratitude for the Sheriff’s Office, for their professionalism and sensitivity in what is a sad and painful moment for all of us.
Thank you again for your concern and for your coverage.
And please, let us keep praying for Bishop Dave and his family. And let’s keep praying for our law enforcement officials as they continue their investigation. And let’s pray for our great city.
Thank you.