Bishop Manuel de Jesús Rodríguez, the first Hispanic bishop of the Diocese of Palm Beach, described his path from the Dominican Republic to South Florida in an interview with WPBF 25 News. Rodríguez was born in Moca and studied canon law before becoming a priest.
In 2009, he left the Dominican Republic, where he had worked mainly in schools and education programs, to join the Diocese of Brooklyn. He served Hispanic parishes in Queens and Brooklyn and ministered to congregants from many countries who speak different languages. He said the experience widened his view of the priesthood.
Rodríguez said the church has no strangers. “I do not see myself mostly as a Hispanic; I see myself mostly as a brother who is serving everyone,” he said.
He addressed mass deportations, which he said have hit the Hispanic community hard. Rodríguez said the church supports deporting people convicted of violent crimes. He questioned removing people who hold temporary protected status, work and follow the law, asking why such people should face deportation.
Rodríguez attended a new bishop formation course at the Vatican in September, where he met Pope Leo, who appointed him. He said the pope has never refused to meet U.S. officials and remains open to dialogue.
He also said he works with migrant children and called the harm to their self-esteem, especially for first-generation Americans, “simply tragic.” He said faith should inform a believer’s political life.
