Bishop Emeritus James A. Tamayo, D.D.(2000–2026)
The Most Reverend James A. Tamayo was appointed the first Bishop of the newly established Diocese of Laredo by Pope Saint John Paul II on July 3, 2000. He was ordained to the episcopacy and installed as the founding Bishop of Laredo on August 9, 2000, at the Laredo Entertainment Center.
During more than twenty-five years of episcopal ministry, Bishop Tamayo guided the Diocese through its formative years, laying the foundation for its pastoral, spiritual, educational, and charitable ministries. Under his leadership, the Diocese established new parishes and missions, strengthened Catholic education, expanded programs for evangelization and faith formation, and fostered vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and religious life.
Bishop Tamayo also promoted Hispanic ministry, youth and family programs, Catholic Charities, and diocesan communications, including La Fe newspaper and KHOY 88.1 FM Catholic Radio. Throughout his episcopacy, he encouraged the faithful to live the Gospel through his episcopal motto, “Todo con Amor”, inspiring the people of South Texas to serve Christ with charity, compassion, and hope.
On May 1, 2026, Pope Leo XIV accepted Bishop Tamayo’s resignation upon reaching the age of retirement and appointed Bishop John J. Gomez as the second Bishop of the Diocese of Laredo. Bishop Tamayo continues to serve the Church as Bishop Emeritus of Laredo, leaving a lasting legacy as the founding shepherd who guided the Diocese from its beginning and helped shape its identity for future generations.
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