Pope Francis has appointed San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone to serve on the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the Catholic Church’s highest judicial body. The appointment, announced Saturday, allows Cordileone to continue leading his archdiocese while serving a five-year term on the Vatican tribunal.
The Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura oversees the administration of justice within the Church and is composed of cardinals, bishops, and priests appointed by the pope. Its deliberations are led by the Cardinal Prefect.
Archbishop Cordileone gained international attention in 2022 when he barred then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi from receiving Holy Communion due to her support for abortion rights. At the time, Cordileone stated that a Catholic legislator who supports abortion after knowing Church teachings commits a grave sin and causes scandal, thus precluding them from receiving Communion under universal Church law.
In a statement, Cordileone expressed his gratitude for the appointment, calling it an honor and a responsibility entrusted for the service of Christ and the Gospel. He noted that justice within the Church is ordered towards the salvation of souls and the protection of the faithful's rights. He added that the appointment comes during a significant year for the Archdiocese of San Francisco as it marks the 800th anniversary of the passing of its patron, St. Francis of Assisi.
Cordileone emphasized that his primary role remains that of shepherd for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, and he will continue to serve its priests, deacons, religious, and parishioners. He requested prayers for Pope Francis and for the Church worldwide, asking for wisdom, charity, and fidelity in fulfilling his new responsibilities. The archbishop stated that the appointment does not require him to relocate to Rome or resign from his archdiocesan duties.