SF Archbishop Installed After Reckless Driving Plea

The installation of San Francisco's new Roman Catholic archbishop comes three days after authorities say he pleaded guilty to reckless driving. 

Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone was arrested in San Diego for allegedly driving under the influence.

Cordileone was stopped at a DUI checkpoint while driving with his mother and a visiting priest after dinner with friends.

The San Diego city attorney's office says Cordileone pleaded guilty Monday. Spokeswoman Gina Coburn says the reduced reckless driving charge is common for first-time offenders.

The day after his arrest, he issued a statement of apology and said he brought "shame" and "disgrace" upon himself.

He was driving his mother home when he hit the checkpoint and was found to have more than the legal amount of alcohol in his system, he said.

“I apologize for my error in judgment and feel shame for the disgrace I have brought upon the Church and myself," he said. "I will repay my debt to society and I ask forgiveness from my family and my friends and co-workers at the Diocese of Oakland and the Archdiocese of San Francisco. I pray that God, in His inscrutable wisdom, will bring some good out of this.”

Cordileone was born and raised in San Diego. He earned his bachelor's degree from San Diego State University and his masters from the University of San Diego and served on the university's Board of Trustees in the early 2000s, according to a university spokesperson.
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us