-
San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone celebrates Mass outside the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption as part of a rosary rally Oct. 3, 2020. (CNS photo/Dennis Callahan, Archdiocese of San Francisco)
Jan. 20, 2021
Most Rev. Salvatore J. Cordileone
On the occasion of the inauguration of Joe Biden as 46th U.S. president, Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a statement in which he discussed the role of faith in civic participation and expressed prayers for the success of the Biden administration. San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone later released this statement:
Archbishop Gomez’s timely call for healing as a country as the new administration assumes office is both very welcome and needed. I thank him for clarifying how Catholics approach the broad range of issues facing us that pose threats to human life and dignity. In particular, I am grateful to him for stating clearly once again that opposing the injustice of abortion remains our “preeminent priority,” while acknowledging that “preeminent” does not mean “only.” Catholics must and do speak out on many issues affecting the equal dignity of us all, but if life at its most vulnerable beginnings is not protected, then none of us is safe. Affirming this equal human dignity at every stage and in every condition is the path to healing and unity. I join Archbishop Gomez in praying for President Biden and for the future of this exceptional nation, that this vision may be realized in our time. May God bless America.”