Pope Leo Appoints Controversial Archbishop to One of Vatican’s Highest Judicial Posts

San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, who drew international attention for denying then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Holy Communion over her support for abortion rights, has been appointed to serve on one of the Vatican’s highest judicial bodies, according to an announcement made on Saturday.

The appointment allows him to continue leading the Archdiocese of San Francisco while serving a five-year term on the Vatican tribunal, which oversees the administration of justice within the Church. bishops and priests appointed by the pope for a term of five years, and is led by the Cardinal,

A Catholic legislator who supports procured abortion, after knowing the teaching of the Church, commits a manifestly grave sin which is a cause of most serious scandal to others,” Cordileone wrote in a May 2022 letter. “Therefore, universal Church law provides that such persons ‘are not to be admitted to Holy Communion.

Pope Leo XIV, for this appointment as a member of the Supreme Apostolic Signatura,  Cordileone said. “I receive this responsibility with a profound sense of stewardship, recognizing that every office in the Church is entrusted for the service of Christ,

His people, and the mission of the Gospel. The Supreme Apostolic Signatura assists the Holy Father in safeguarding the proper administration of justice within the life of the Church.”Cordileone continued, “Justice in the Church is never merely legal; it is ordered toward the salvation of souls, the protection of the rights of the faithful,

the strengthening of ecclesial communion. I am honored to contribute to that important mission. This appointment comes during a special year for the Archdiocese of San Francisco as we commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Transitus of our patron, St. Francis of Assisi.

Cordileone reflected further, saying, “His life reminds us that true greatness in the Church is found not in honors or titles but in loving Christ, serving His people, and embracing the Gospel with simplicity and joy. I pray that the example of St. Francis will continue to shape my own ministry.

This appointment does not involve a reassignment from the Archdiocese of San Francisco or require me to relocate to Rome.