Statement from Bishop David Zubik on the Death of Auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell

While I mourn every death from gun violence, it is a terrible shock when the victim is a brother bishop, auxiliary Bishop David G. O’Connell of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Bishop O’Connell epitomized all that Pope Francis calls priests and bishops to be. He loved and walked with those who are poor and marginalized, especially immigrants. He equipped his parishes as field hospitals for the suffering, visited prisoners, worked for peace among warring gangs – and between residents and law enforcement.  Even as I ask prayers for his soul, I trust that he is kneeling before God’s throne, praying for his killer and for our society to repent of gun violence.