Thank you for reading! Letters from Leo is a reader-supported publication. If you find value in my work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation. Prefer A One-Time Gift? Donate Here Pope Leo XIV has named Bishop Ramón Bejarano, an auxiliary bishop from San Diego, as the new Bishop of Monterey in California. On paper it’s a routine announcement, but it speaks volumes about the direction Leo is steering the American Church. Bejarano continues the pope’s trend of elevating pastors from diverse backgrounds: earlier this year, three of Leo’s first four U.S. bishop picks were immigrants, and Bejarano himself was born in Texas and spent part of his youth in Mexico. He brings a border perspective that resonates with Leo’s priorities. Bishop Bejarano made headlines in 2024 when he presided over an “All Are Welcome” Mass for the LGBTQ community. San Diego Auxiliary Bishop Ramón Bejarano celebrates Mass at St. Augustine’s School in 2021. Pope Leo XIV’s decision …