Diocese of Laredo
The Diocese of Laredo, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing seven counties in South Texas in the United States. Erected on July 3, 2000, by Pope John Paul II, it was carved from portions of the Diocese of Corpus Christi and the Archdiocese of San Antonio to serve the predominantly Hispanic Catholic population along the U.S.-Mexico border. As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of San Antonio, it is led by Bishop James A. Tamayo, D.D., its first bishop (installed 2000), who submitted his resignation upon turning 75; on May 1, 2026, Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation and appointed Rev. John Jairo Gomez as bishop-elect, with installation scheduled for June 30, 2026.
The Diocese of Laredo covers an area of approximately 10,614 square miles (27,482 km²) across Dimmit, Jim Hogg, La Salle, Maverick, Webb, Zapata, and Zavala counties, serving a Catholic population of around 328,508 out of a total population of about 360,998 (as of recent estimates), reflecting a high percentage of Catholic faithful in a border region rich in faith and culture. Its mother church is the historic Cathedral of San Agustín in Laredo, a symbol of enduring Catholic presence since the 18th century. A notable aspect is its role in fostering unity and evangelization in a vibrant, bilingual community shaped by its proximity to Mexico.
Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Laredo
| Diocese: Diocese of Laredo | |
| Status: | Active |
| Rite: | Latin |
| Type: | Suffragan diocese |
| Ecclesiastical Province: | Province of San Antonio |
| Metropolitan Archdiocese: | Archdiocese of San Antonio |
| Country: | United States |
| Region: | Texas |
| Bishop: | James A. Tamayo, D.D. (Bishop Emeritus; John Jairo Gomez, Bishop-elect) |
| Website: | https://dioceseoflaredo.org/ |
| Catholic %: | 91% |
| Priests: | 57 (approx.) |
| Existence: | 2000– |
| Predecessor Dioceses: | Diocese of Corpus Christi; Archdiocese of San Antonio |
| Rating: | 3.5 |
| Chancery Address: | 1901 Corpus Christi St., Laredo, TX 78043 |
Establishment
The Diocese of Laredo was erected on July 3, 2000, by Pope John Paul II through the apostolic constitution that divided territory from the Diocese of Corpus Christi (Webb, Zapata, Jim Hogg, and part of La Salle County) and the Archdiocese of San Antonio (Maverick, Zavala, Dimmit, and part of La Salle County). Auxiliary Bishop James A. Tamayo of Galveston-Houston was appointed its first bishop and installed on August 9, 2000. This creation responded to the pastoral needs of the growing Catholic population in the region.
History
Catholic presence in the Laredo area dates to the Spanish colonial period, with the founding of San Agustín parish in 1760. The region was part of various dioceses over time until the 2000 erection. Bishop Tamayo led the diocese for 26 years, emphasizing unity, education, and service in this border diocese. On May 1, 2026, Pope Leo XIV accepted his resignation and named Rev. John Jairo Gomez as successor.
Geography
The diocese spans the following Texas counties:
- Dimmit
- Jim Hogg
- La Salle
- Maverick
- Webb
- Zapata
- Zavala
It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of San Antonio and borders dioceses in both the U.S. and Mexico.
Mother Church
San Agustín Cathedral in Laredo, a Gothic Revival structure with roots in a 1767 chapel, serves as the mother church. It was elevated to cathedral status upon the diocese's erection in 2000.
Leadership
Current Bishop
Bishop James A. Tamayo, D.D., served as the first and only ordinary since 2000 until his retirement in 2026. Rev. John Jairo Gomez was appointed bishop-elect on May 1, 2026.
Past Bishops
| Name | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| James Anthony Tamayo | 2000–2026 | First Bishop of Laredo; previously auxiliary bishop of Galveston-Houston |
According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.
Theological and Cultural Orientation
The diocese maintains a balanced approach (rating approx. 3.5), with strong emphasis on traditional devotions, Hispanic cultural expressions of faith, and pastoral outreach in a border context.
Statistics
The diocese covers approximately 10,614 square miles (27,482 km²), serves around 328,508 registered Catholics across 32 parishes and 17 missions, with a total population of about 360,998. It has roughly 41 diocesan and 16 religious priests.
Religious Communities
Various religious orders and communities serve in education, parish ministry, and charitable works within the diocese.
Parishes
| Diocese of Laredo |
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
The diocese includes 32 parishes and 17 missions, many reflecting the rich Hispanic heritage of the region.
Mission and Services
Catholic Education
The diocese supports Catholic schools serving local families.
Community Outreach
Catholic Charities Diocese of Laredo provides essential services including food distribution, housing assistance, and disaster response.
Notable Events or Figures
- Bishop James A. Tamayo guided the young diocese through its first quarter-century.
- The historic San Agustín Cathedral continues as a center of faith and pilgrimage.
Fun facts
Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Laredo:
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Associated saints
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Diocesan photos
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