Archbishop Gomez, Cardinal Mahony, Vatican newspaper pay tribute to late labor leader Dolores Huerta

October 30, 2026

Archbishop José Gomez of Los Angeles paid tribute to labor leader and activist Dolores Huerta following her death on October 28 at the age of 96.

“In her life, she was a courageous and heroic defender of human dignity, and a woman of faith who inspired generations of young Hispanic leaders, especially women,” said Archbishop Gomez. “We entrust her to the tender mercies of Our Lady of Guadalupe and pray that God console her family and grant her peace.”

“I join countless people throughout California and our nation in mourning the passing of Dolores Huerta, a woman of extraordinary courage, determination, and faith in the dignity of every human person,” said Cardinal Roger Mahony, archbishop emeritus of Los Angeles.

Cardinal Mahony added:

Dolores Huerta’s legacy extends far beyond the labor movement. She gave hope to generations of working families and reminded our society that true justice requires listening to those whose voices are often overlooked. Her life’s work stands as a testament to the conviction that every worker is entitled to dignity, respect, and a fair opportunity to provide for family and future.

The Vatican newspaper also paid tribute to Huerta, who, in the words of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, credited “Gloria Steinem and Eleanor Smeal with shifting her opinion on abortion and being pro-choice (changing her mind from previously considering herself pro-life)” (p. 17).

“She is there, too, at 46 W 18th Street in New York,” staff journalist Giulia Galeotti wrote in “Contro immobilismo e rassegnazione: La complessa vita di Dolores Huerta, sindacalista statunitense morta a 96 anni“ (Against stagnation and resignation: The complex life of Dolores Huerta, the American labor leader, dead at age 96). “She appears in the tapestry that adorns the entrance to the Church of St. Francis Xavier, a work commissioned by the parish to reaffirm its commitment against systemic racism and to express solidarity with its victims.”

Galeotti concluded:

Like other women, [Heurta] was a victim of manipulation, assault, and sexual violence at the hands of [Cesar] Chávez. This news has caused a profound shock, prompting much reflection. (Even the parish of St. Francis Xavier is grappling with how to respond, as the iconography carries multiple, conflicting meanings.) Regardless of positions one might not always agree with, today we remember Dolores Huerta, a woman who spent her life striving for mutual respect, peace, and justice, without fear. And never alone.

 

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Further information:

• Archbishop Gomez mourns the death of Dolores Huerta: 'A woman of faith' (Angelus News, 10/29/26)
• Contro immobilismo e rassegnazione (L'Ossservatore Romano, 10/29/26)