Pope Leo XIV Appoints Ramón Bejarano as Bishop of Monterey

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Ramón Bejarano, the auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of San Diego, as the new bishop of the Diocese of Monterey, as announced by the Vatican this week. Bejarano, aged 56, has served in his current role since 2020 and will take over leadership from Bishop Daniel E. Garcia, who was appointed bishop of Austin, Texas, in July 2023.

The Diocese of Monterey, located along California’s Central Coast, encompasses approximately 21,916 square miles and serves a Catholic population of about 368,150 individuals within a total regional population of around 1.04 million. This region is characterized by its diverse communities and vibrant cultural landscape.

Bishop Michael Pham of San Diego commended Bejarano’s contributions, referring to him as “a gentle soul and a strong advocate for peace and justice.” Pham expressed a sense of loss for the San Diego diocese, stating that Monterey “will gain a bishop who has the heart of the Good Shepherd.” Such endorsements highlight Bejarano’s commitment to community service and pastoral care.

Born in Texas and raised in Mexico, Bejarano’s early life included working in the fields and performing maintenance duties at a hotel to support his family before he entered the seminary. He was ordained as a priest in 1998 for the Diocese of Stockton. Over the years, Bejarano has led various ministries focusing on ethnic and intercultural communities, as well as issues of life, peace, and justice, demonstrating his dedication to fostering inclusivity and dialogue.

His background and experience are expected to resonate well with the diverse communities within the Diocese of Monterey. As he assumes this significant role, many look forward to how his leadership will shape the future of the diocese.

Bejarano’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for both the Diocese of Monterey and the broader Catholic community in California, promising to continue the legacy of service and advocacy exemplified by his predecessor.