Our Archbishop

Most Reverend Salvatore Cordileone

Archbishop of San Francisco

Salvatore Cordileone was appointed the Archbishop of San Francisco on July 27, 2012, and was installed on October 4, 2012, the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption.

Since then, he has led the faithful of San Francisco with steadfast determination.

Latest from the Archbishop

Read Archbishop’s latest homilies, op-eds, statements, memos, and more.

“Planting Seeds and Reaping Fruit”
Homily for Mass of Ordination to the Priesthood of Br. Mikhael Josip Maria of the Holy Cross and the Holy Name of Jesus, COSJ; January 11, 2025; St. Patrick’s Seminary
“The Ever-Youthful Love of the One Who Makes All Things New”
Sermon for Solemn Requiem Mass for Professor William Peter Mahrt; January 10, 2025; Mission Dolores Basilica
“Light, Darkness and Our Gift Exchange with God”
Homily for Christmas Mass During the Night; December 25, 2023; St. Mary’s Cathedral
Lessons Learned from Contemplating the Nativity Scene
Christmas Column for the December 2024 Catholic San Francisco magazine
Lecciones aprendidas al contemplar el belén
Columna de diciembre de 2024 Católico
Statement by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone on Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s comments to the National Catholic Reporter
On December 10, 2024, Most Rev. Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone released the following statement in response to Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s comments to the National Catholic Reporter. “Nancy Pelosi’s recent interview… Read More
“Todos amamos a nuestra Madre, quien nos une en una familia de Dios”
Homilía en ocasión de la Cruzada Guadalupana Anual de la Arquidiócesis; 7 de diciembre 2024; Catedral de Santa María
“We All Love Our Mother, Who Unites Us into One Family of God”
Homily on the Occasion of the Annual Archdiocesan Cruzada Guadalupana; December 7, 2024; St. Mary’s Cathedral

The coat of arms

The coat of arms of Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone celebrates the line of fishermen in his family. It presents a red crab against a silver background and a demi-lion with red claws holding a heart to honor the family name, Cordileone, which means “heart of a lion” from a literal translation of cor di leone.

The banner at the bottom includes his motto, “In Verbo Tuo,” translated, “At Your Word,” recalling the Gospel story of the apostles casting their nets at the Lord’s urging after fishing all night and catching nothing. Peter lets down the net on the strength of Christ’s command. “And Simon answered: ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” (Luke 5:5)

Archbishop’s Circle

The Archbishop’s Circle consists of over eighty households representing about 110 individuals. Circle members support special programs identified by Archbishop Cordileone. Without the support of the Circle members, these initiatives would not be funded.

Support Archbishop Cordileone and his vision by funding special programs and initiatives

The Archbishop’s First Pastoral Letter

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you” (Jer 1:5). A young Jeremiah heard the Lord speak these words to him over 2500 years ago. In these times in which we are living, the scourge of abortion ignores the reality that humans are made in the image of God, known and beloved by God. This pastoral letter addresses all Catholics, but especially Catholics in public life, calling for deep reflection on the evil of abortion and on the meaning of receiving Holy Communion, the Bread of Life.