Archdiocese of San Francisco Archives

2 Catholic bishops at odds over Biden receiving Communion

May 9, 2021

They share Catholicism as a faith and California as their home base. Yet there’s a deep gulf between Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco and Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego in the high-stakes debate over whether politicians who support abortion rights should be denied Communion.

By David Crary

San Francisco archbishop leads prayers for unity, end to ‘virus’ of racism

Apr 13, 2021

Decrying a rise in racial violence especially against Asian Americans, including in San Francisco, a city that he said has always offered “a welcoming and stable home” to newcomers, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone led a prayer service for unity, healing and peace April 10.

By Catholic News Service

‘Justice system is working,’ archbishop says about toppled statue case

Feb 23, 2021

Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco said the “justice system is working” is a statement issued late Feb. 19 following the arraignment of five people on charges of felony vandalism for toppling a St. Junipero Serra statue outside a Catholic church Oct. 12, 2020.

By Catholic News Service

Archbishop calls latest California church closures ‘blatant discrimination’
- Nov 30, 2020
Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco described as “blatant discrimination” a return by California to more severe COVID-19 restrictions that closed churches in two of the three counties that comprise the San Francisco Archdiocese.

By Catholic News Service
Felony charges for statue vandals called ‘breakthrough moment for Catholics’
- Nov 16, 2020
San Francisco’s archbishop called a district attorney’s decision to prosecute protesters arrested for toppling a St. Junipero Serra statue outside a Catholic church on charges of felony vandalism “a breakthrough moment for Catholics.”

By Catholic News Service
Archbishop says Catholic medical professionals live values of faith every day
- Oct 25, 2020
During this ongoing pandemic, the commitment of health care workers to treat COVID-19 patients even at risk to their own health and lives — and some have died — is an illustration of Judeo-Christian values still at work in the larger society, said Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone of San Francisco.

By Catholic News Service
Archbishop performs exorcism to cleanse protest site
- Oct 18, 2020
The Archbishop of San Francisco performed a short exorcism ceremony Saturday outside a Catholic church where protesters had earlier toppled a statue of Father Junipero Serra, saying the ceremony was intended to drive out evil and defend the image of Serra.

By Associated Press