ARCHBISHOP SALVATORE J. CORDILEONE OF SAN FRANCISCO MET WITH POPE LEO XIV ON APRIL 29, 2026, FOR A PRIVATE PAPAL AUDIENCE AT THE VATICAN.
While the specific details of their private conversation were not publicly released, their meeting took place against a backdrop of several major ecclesiastical developments and recent papal initiatives:
Archdiocesan Matters: As the Metropolitan Archbishop of San Francisco, Cordileone likely provided updates on the state of his archdiocese.
Liturgical Unity: Cordileone has been a vocal advocate for the Traditional Latin Mass, while also issuing statements in support of papal efforts to maintain liturgical unity within the Church.
Social & Moral Advocacy: Cordileone’s long-standing focus on
the sanctity of marriage and the protection of children as central components of Church mission aligns with broader themes discussed during recent Vatican assemblies.
Global Peace Initiatives: The audience followed Pope Leo XIV’s high-profile April 11 prayer vigil for peace and his recent apostolic journey to Africa (April 13–23), where the Holy Father emphasized reconciliation and the “globalization of indifference”.
Safeguarding and Protection: The Vatican’s recent focus on the protection of minors and vulnerable adults, highlighted by the Pope’s message to territorial representatives in mid-April, likely informed their broader pastoral discussions.
While the specific transcript of the private audience between Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone and Pope Leo XIV on April 29, 2026, was not published, their discussion was framed by several high-profile Vatican and archdiocesan initiatives from that same month.
1. Collaborative Peace Efforts
Archbishop Cordileone issued a formal statement on April 27, 2026, just days before the meeting, praising Pope Leo XIV as a “credible and invaluable voice for peace.” This likely followed the Holy Father’s April 11 Prayer Vigil for Peace at St. Peter’s Basilica, which aimed to counter the “globalization of indifference” regarding international conflicts.
2. The 250th Anniversary of San Francisco
The meeting occurred during a landmark year for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Archbishop Cordileone has been celebrating the 250th anniversary of the city and Mission Dolores (founded in 1776).
The Year of St. Francis: Pope Leo XIV decreed 2026 as the “Year of St. Francis” to mark the 800th anniversary of the saint’s death.
Local Significance: Discussion likely touched on these overlapping jubilees, emphasizing the Franciscan heritage shared by the city and the Holy Father’s namesake priorities.
From Holy See Press Office Bulletin via St. Mary of the Assumption Facebook page
Here is what I think the Pope and Abp. Cordileone should discuss: 1.Requirements for correct Catholic teaching and catechesis in all Catholic schools, universities and seminaries, worldwide.
2. Requirements for all Catholic clergy, nuns and laity– (including Church-employed/volunteers) to uphold, live by and publicly support Catholic teaching– and to be in Good Standing with the Church. 3.Requirements for correct Canon Law penalties– including excommunication– to be applied to all Catholic clergy, nuns and laity who refuse to uphold, live by and publicly support Catholic teaching.
Let’s see the Vatican mandate excommunications, starting with Pres. Joe Biden and Rep. Nancy Pelosi.
In my comment of May 2 at 5:26pm, in my final sentence — I meant to say, “former Pres. Joe Biden.” I think Biden and Pelosi should long ago have been excommunicated.
South Americans seeth in hateful envy wallowing in their failed societies, Leo spent decades there his mentality is a product of it, so was Francis. That mentality has ruined California we are sliding into a bucket of excrement, political grifters from these failed nations at every level think stealing is their right. The pope does harm by encouraging them.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with the pope on Thursday. I hope he delivers a clear message from President Trump about the pope’s place. Hint: it’s not to be a political leader or mouthpiece.
You are correct in that the pope is not a political leader. Yet, President Trump said the U.S. would send Iran “back to the Stone Ages” during a prime-time address from the White House. “We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks,” he said. “We are going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.” Such a threat to destroy a civilization, to destroy a nation, is a moral issue. That is not a just war. Targeting civilians is immoral. (Thankfully, the president backed away from that.) Genocide is an intrinsic evil, not a matter of prudential judgement. Our shepherds are right to speak on matters of faith and morals. Abortion, another intrinsic evil, is one example. Have previous popes been wrong to condemn abortion, IVF, Communism, gender ideology, Naziism, Freemasonry and other evils, which are moral issues related to politics? The great Saint John the Baptist spoke out against a political leader’s immorality. Should he have kept silent (and kept his head attached)? Pray for the pope and the president and all of us.
I have this sneaking suspicion that Leo would have called for a ceasefire at Lepanto.
Hymie, are you serious? Why do you suspect that of the pope? Lepanto was a naval battle to stop Ottoman Muslims from their westward aggression and expansion. That’s not like aerial bombardment or missiles that kill thousands of women, children and non-combatants. And, Lepanto did not destroy homes or civilian infrastructure of the day. There is a vast difference. Facts matter. Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.
Anyone who opposes Trump’s attack on Iran would rather Iran have obtained a nuclear weapon and detonated it in Tel Aviv before saying war is just.
That’s simply not true.
The president has, on numerous occasions, said things about the pope that are not true.
From Zeale news:
Pope Leo XIV pointed out May 5 that the Catholic Church has long opposed nuclear arms after President Donald Trump falsely claimed the Pontiff had made a “statement” saying “Iran can have a nuclear weapon.” Trump reiterated the accusation against the Pope for the third time during a May 4 radio interview, with Hugh Hewitt. “The Pope would rather talk about the fact that it’s okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon, and I don’t think that’s very good,” Trump said. “I think he’s endangering a lot of Catholics and a lot of people. But I guess if it’s up to the Pope, he thinks it’s just fine for Iran to have a nuclear weapon.” Trump had made the same claim weeks earlier in an April 12 Truth Social post in which he wrote, “I don’t want a Pope who thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon.” He later told reporters that evening, “We don’t like a Pope that’s gonna say that it’s okay to have a nuclear weapon.” On April 16, Trump went so far as to claim Pope Leo had explicitly said the Iranian regime could have a nuke. “The Pope made a statement – he says, ‘Iran can have a nuclear weapon,’” the President told reporters.
The pope can say no nation should have nuclear weapons but what good is that in a world where nuclear weapons are a reality?
Iran was close to attaining its goal of having a nuclear weapon, according to US and Israeli intelligence. What would Pope Leo have done to stop them? Strong words don’t suffice in a world where armed conflicts actually neutralize global threats and keep enemies at bay.
The pope saying nobody should have nuclear weapons doesn’t solve or do anything. It’s pablum. Thank God Trump fulfilled his responsibility as the President of the United States and saved America and the world from a nuclear armed Iran.
Saying, “No war.” Doesn’t prevent war nor make war unnecessary. It’s a coward’s way of trying to take the moral high ground.
The pope essentially ineffectually says, “Stop it, or I’ll say, ‘Stop it,’ again.” Lame.
The pope has, on numerous occasions, said things that are not true. Such as the inadmissibility of capital punishment and the claim that God does not hear the prayers of people who wage war.
stop it and papal statements,
So, do you think it’s acceptable for Mr. Trump or anyone to claim that the pope (or anyone, for that matter) made statements that, in fact, he did not make?
That would be bearing false witness, a violation of one of the Ten Commandments. That’s the (only) point I’m making here.
Earlier today, after sharing my thoughts, I got a call from a friend who is a retired high-ranking military officer and still works in the defense industry. We had a good, frank discussion about just war, including pre-emptive strikes in a nuclear age. This is a complex moral issue. But, that doesn’t give the president the right to falsely accuse the pope of saying things he did not say. Truth matters.
Most likely they discussed the successor to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Cardinal Cupcake is gonna to try to push in his fabulous friend in San Bernardino
Pope Leo (unfortunately) seems to be ery naive, shallow, and not a thoroughly trained and disciplined Catholic thinker on deeper issues– unlike many popes and prelates of long ago. This pope (bless him!) does not seem to understand the tragic plight of a country trying to responsibly protect her good citizens, against violent, crazy, irrational, dangerous political leaders, “ready to kill”– who refuse to “sit down and dialog”– and are also trying to develop extremely dangerous nuclear weapons! A horrific danger to the world! What on earth does Pope Leo expect? If a crazy, anti-Catholic jihadist Muslim killer tried to attack Pope Leo– the Swiss Guards must immediately defend the Pope— and the attacker may be killed. So be it. And God is with us, always, in self-defense and just wars, to protect innocent people. Pray for Pope Leo to understand this!
I believe that the Pope should strongly preach against the sins of the Iranian political leaders. And call them to be peacemakers, and change their ways.
Today, May 5th, a Texas jury unanimously approved the Death Penalty in the horrific abduction, sexual assault and murder of that poor little 7-year-old Paradise, Texas girl, outside her home. The Satanic murderer had been working as a FedEx delivery driver, and had just delivered a package containing the poor little girl’s Christmas present — a set of Barbie dolls. I say– carry out the death sentence quickly, schedule it within a couple of weeks, get it over with. No more legal loopholes. No appeals. I read that Paradise, Texas is a quiet, serene little rural community, with a population of about 627, located about 30-40 miles northwest of Ft. Worth, Texas. That should be, ideally, a great place to raise a family. Heartful of tears for the poor little girl.
I’ve yet to meet an Iranian (Muslim, Jack Muslim, Jew, Baha’i) who does not support Epic Fury wholeheartedly. That includes an Iranian business friend who otherwise dislikes Trump. The Iranian diaspora is dancing in the streets worldwide while Leo and supporters fiddle moral equivalency.
There is no genocide, no targeting of women, children and other noncombatants or homes, let alone a “delusion of omnipotence.”
Today, May 8th, is the birthday of soon-to-be Blessed Abp. Fulton J. Sheen. He was born on May 8, 1895. He was a most wonderful gift of God to the world.
Today, May 8, marks Pope Leo’s first anniversary in the Papacy. We must pray for him, and pray for the Church.
We should read the Bible and immerse ourselves in the liturgy. The pope is largely irrelevant and has made some questionable decisions, appointments, and statements besides.
Reply to First anniversary for Pope Leo: On May 8th Pope Leo XIV visited Naples, Italy Cathedral, coinciding with the first anniversary of his election to the papacy. On May 9, the blood of Saint Januarius liquefied during Pope Leo’s visit. The faithful of Naples regard this as a sign of hope and protection.