Photos: Father Gregory Boyle

Father Gregory Boyle meets with employee Johnny Chavez at Homeboy Industries. The agency offers free services including mental health counseling, tattoo removal and work training.

Rosemary Estrada takes a picture of Father Gregory Boyle with one of the men he mentors at Homeboy Industries.

Father Gregory Boyle in the headquarters of Homeboy Industries, which he founded in 1988.

Father Gregory Boyle gives a hug to Maria Lozoya, 20, after she came by his office for advice.

Father Gregory Boyle and Rosemary Estrada at the Homeboy Industries headquarters.

Father Gregory Boyle meets with Bella Newcomb, right, and members of the Snyder family of Santa Cruz. Newcomb is the Snyders’ goddaughter.

Father Gregory Boyle says a prayer during a birthday party for Luis A. Moreno at Homeboy Industries in June 2003.

Boyle used to negotiate truces and peace treaties among warring gangs but stopped doing that years ago. Above, he meets with a gang member in March 1997.

Boyle in front of the Homeboy Bakery on East 3rd Street in October 1995. It was gutted by fire in 1999 and reopened near the Civic Center in 2007.

Vice President Al Gore gives the thumbs up after touring Homeboy Bakery in June 1994. At left are Boyle and gang member Frank Rangel.

Boyle consoles gang members in February 1990 as they visit the grave of a member who was killed a few weeks earlier.

Boyle answers questions about legalization at the Dolores Mission Church in January 1986.