Which Way, L.A.?
The Departure of Cardinal Mahony and the Catholic Church in LA
LA's five million Roman Catholics are now led by the first Mexican-born archbishop of America's largest archdiocese. José Gomez's origins recognize demographic reality since even before Cardinal Roger Mahony arrived 25 years ago. We talk about the role of the Church in Southern California and Mahony's legacy. On our rebroadcast of To the Point, can Iran take advantage of upheaval in its neighborhood?
By Warren Olney • • 53m ListenLA's five million Roman Catholics are now led by José Gomez, the first Mexican-born archbishop of America's largest archdiocese. Gomez's origins recognize demographic reality since even before Cardinal Roger Mahony arrived 25 years ago. We talk about the role of the Church in Southern California and Mahony's legacy, including liberal politics, immigrant rights, a controversial cathedral and a clerical sex abuse scandal with more than 500 victims that cost the church $660 million. On our rebroadcast of today's To the Point, Moammar Gadhafi continues his holdout in Libya, as upheaval continues in North African and the Middle East. Will Iran be affected by the rage for freedom, or has it gained new influence in the region — without doing a thing?
Banner image: New Archbishop José Gomez (C), and retiring Cardinal Roger Mahony (L) prepare for the Ceremony of Transition as Archbishop at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on February 27, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Wally Skalij - Pool/Getty Images