WASHINGTON – Pope Leo XIV has appointed as Bishop of Monterey, the Most Reverend Ramón Bejarano, currently Auxiliary Bishop of San Diego. The appointment was publicized in Washington, D.C. on Dec. 17 by Cardinal Christophe Pierre, apostolic nuncio to the United States.
Bishop Bejarano has served in the Diocese of San Diego since July of 2020, arriving from the Diocese of Stockton. His early tenure was marked by the unprecedented challenges the diocese faced navigating the health restrictions ordered during the Covid pandemic.
He served as Vicar for Ethnic and Intercultural Communities; for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, and for Life, Peace and Justice. In the latter role, he coordinated the diocese’s efforts to support immigrants amid the ongoing massive deportation campaign.
In an early morning message, San Diego Bishop Michael Pham invited the diocese’s staff to congratulate Bishop Bejarano on his appointment.
The Diocese of Monterey is comprised of 21,916 square miles and has a total population of 1,042,464, of which 368,150, are Catholic.
