Archbishop Cordileone DUI Arrest

Rev. Salvatore Cordileone, the Roman Catholic archbishop-elect of San Francisco, was arrested by San Diego police on suspicion of drunk driving, providing ammunition for supporters of gay marriage and religion bashers.

Archbishop-elect Salvatore Cordileone, the supporter of California's gay marriage ban known as The Father Of Proposition 8, was handcuffed and thrown into the San Diego County Jail as a criminal in the middle of the night.

Haters far and wide are squealing "Praise the Lord!" in mockery.  The loud vocalization of "tolerance" seems to go out the window when adversaries smell blood, apparently.

Rev. Cordileone, 56, was eventually released in exchange for $2,500 and the priest must appear in court October 9, though the San Diego city prosecutor's office has not received the arrest report, allegedly.

Cordileone's installation as archbishop is scheduled for October 4.  A confidential source, a cardinal no less, has told Californiality that a misdemeanor charge will not bar the priest from becoming Archbishop of San Francisco.

"We would be shocked if the Holy Father took out California's strongest voice for holy matrimony because of some misdemeanor charge in the middle of the night," declared the cardinal.

Catholic archbishops answer only to Pope Benedict XVI, the only church authority who can administer any potential discipline.

Without regard, the County of San Diego is indifferent and will prosecute if it so chooses.

It is strangely ironic that Rev. Cordileone, a San Diego native, was busted on a DUI charge where he was raised, ordained as a priest, served as auxiliary bishop, and is revered by the community.

As well, Cordileone is the chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Subcommittee for the Promotion and Defense of Marriage, thus a constant target for attack.

Salvatore Cordileone admits he was foolish to let his guard down while under the heaviest spiritual attack of his religious calling.

"I apologize for my error in judgment and feel shame for the disgrace I have brought upon the Church and myself," said the future archbishop. "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."

OCTOBER 2012 UPDATE:  Cordileone pleaded guilty on October 1, 2012 to a reduced charge of reckless driving, an option often offered to first-time DUI offenders.  The standard sentence for reckless driving in California is three years of probation and a fine of $1,120.

The formal installation ceremony of Archbishop Salvatore Joseph Cordileone took place at St. Mary's Cathedral on October 4, 2012 before an audience of more than 2,000 invited guests.