Legatus, an international organization for Catholic business leaders, presented Archbishop José Gomez of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles with a special award during its 2026 national summit in California, recognizing his courageous defense of the sanctity of human life and marriage.
According to an emailed press release from the organization, the Cardinal O’Connor Defender of the Faith Award “recognizes the strong defense of Our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, Catholic principles, articles of faith and the sanctity of human life and marriage, despite adverse public media criticism or political incorrectness.”
Legatus gave the award to the archbishop at the Jan. 29-31 Santa Barbara-based summit, which was attended by more than 450 members, according to the release.
Cardinal John O’Connor, who died in 2000, was known for his pastoral work in New York, where he was an archbishop for almost 16 years, as Zeale previously reported. He preached strongly on the family and sanctity of human life.
>> Archbishop remembers legacy of Cardinal John O’Connor, a bold defender of life <<
Legatus stated in the release that the award “honors those who, like Cardinal O’Connor himself, speak the truth with charity, clarity, and conviction.”
The release praised Archbishop Gomez for his decades of pastoral work and spiritual leadership and his efforts to “promote marriage and family life, foster vocations to the priesthood, and advance the leadership of Hispanics and women in both the Church and American society.” He is a founding member of both the Catholic Association of Latino Leaders and the nonprofit Educating on the Nature and Dignity of Women, also known as ENDOW. The release notes that he has served as ecclesiastical advisor to Legatus for the past 14 years.
According to the release, Archbishop Gomez said in a video message shown at the summit that he is both humbled and honored in receiving the award, noting that especially for bishops, Cardinal O’Connor “was a hero.”
“He believed in the Gospel's power to change lives and renew the conscience of society. These are my beliefs too,” Archbishop Gomez said. “Right now, we are living a troubled moment in our history, a time of confrontation and uncertainty.”
Addressing those present, he said the U.S. needs their witness.
“We have to help our neighbors rediscover the beauty and mystery of human life…that every human being is created in God's image and endowed with rights and dignity that come only from Him,” Archbishop Gomez said. “The beautiful truth that we are all God's children, and brothers and sisters, called to live in peace.”
Stephen Henley, president of Legatus, noted in the release that Archbishop Gomez has led the largest Catholic community in the U.S. for almost 20 years and praised him for being “a consistent voice of compassion and reason on the moral and spiritual issues shaping American public life and culture.”
He continually urges Catholics in every walk of life to take personal responsibility for the mission of the Church,” Henley added.
The release also detailed other key parts of the 2026 summit. The theme came from Matthew 25:23: “Enter into the joy of your Master.” This verse is part of a passage about the parable of the faithful steward, who is praised for his integrity in handling small matters and is thus entrusted to handle larger responsibilities. Speakers at the summit included Sister Miriam James Heidland and Father Josh Johnson, who each spoke about the transformative effects of Christ’s mercy.
Vic Gundotra, who is the former senior vice president for Google Engineering, spoke about his advice for ways to navigate challenges posed by artificial intelligence in business. James Olson, former chief of CIA Counterintelligence, spoke about the moral dilemmas of spying. Keynote speaker and neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson encouraged attendees in his address to renew their faith and deepen their commitment as Catholic leaders.
At the summit, attendees also had the opportunity to go to daily Mass, Confession, and Eucharistic adoration, as well as to pray the rosary.
“The Summit brings together faithful Catholic leaders from around the world to strengthen one another in living the Gospel in every aspect of life,” Henley said in the release. “Grounded in the celebration of the Holy Mass with a cardinal, bishops, and more than 30 priests, this year’s Summit encouraged Legatus members to study, live and boldly spread the Catholic faith in their business, professional and personal lives.”