Archbishop Gomez To Be Recognized for His Leadership in Hispanic/Latino Ministry With 2026 Encuentros Award
This prestigious distinction recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Hispanic/Latino ministry in the Catholic Church in the United States.
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Subcommittee on Hispanic/Latino Affairs has named Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles as the recipient of the Encuentros Award. This prestigious distinction recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Hispanic/Latino ministry in the Catholic Church in the United States. The announcement was made by Bishop Oscar Cantú, chairman of the USCCB’s Subcommittee on Hispanic/Latino Affairs during the annual conference for the National Catholic Association of Diocesan Directors for Hispanic Ministry this week.
“Archbishop Gomez has advocated for the Hispanic community for decades. He has been a tireless champion for the Catholic Church, and, specifically, for Hispanic Catholics, highlighting the gifts that they bring to the Church in the United States,” said Bishop Cantú. “With the Encuentros Award, we wish recognize his work and express our heartfelt appreciation for all he has done across many years.”
Archbishop Gomez served as president of the USCCB from 2019-2022. Read his full biography.
Established in 2023, the Encuentros Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the development, leadership, and accompaniment of Hispanic and Latino ministry in the Catholic Church in the United States. Previous recipients include: His Eminence Cardinal Seán P. O’Malley, OFM Cap.; Most Rev. Gerald R. Barnes; Sister Norma Pimentel, MJ; Sister Ana Maria Pineda, RSM; Carmen Aguinaco; and Ken Johnson-Mondragón.
Bishop Cantú will present the Encuentros Award to Archbishop Gomez at a reception during the U.S. bishops’ annual plenary assembly in Baltimore.
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