Gregory Boyle

Greg Boyle grew up in Los Angeles with his parents and seven siblings. He was raised Catholic, and after he gradated high school in 1972 he entered the Jesuit Order. Over the next decade, Boyle gained undergraduate degrees in philosophy and English, a master’s degree in English, and a Master of Divinity Degree. In 1984, he became a priest. Since this time, Boyle’s work has focused on gang violence in the city of Los Angeles. He’s founded a successful nonprofit called Homeboy Industries, which specializes in employing rehabilitated gang members. Boyle is on the advisory board for Loyola Law School. His work campaigning against gang violence has made him one of the most beloved and respected figures in his city. Boyle was diagnosed with cancer in the early 2000s, and while he’s “slowing down” somewhat due to his age and medical condition, he continues with his religious and nonprofit work.