California delegation honors Cardinal Levada

Hold on to your biretta!
Cardinal William H. Levada enjoys rapturous applause
from delegation members Julie Gillman, Joe Alioto-Veronese
and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez
Photo(s) by Luke Thomas

By Luke Thomas

March 25, 2006

Rome - Following the Consistory of Cardinals ceremony yesterday, a reception was held in honor of Cardinal William H. Levada, organized by San Francisco Police Commissioner Joe Alioto-Veronese and former San Francisco Supervisor Angela Alioto.

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, following a tour of post-war Bosnia, was present to personally congratulate Levada on behalf of US Congress.

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez and delegation lead, Joe Alioto-Veronese

San Francisco Civil Service Commissioner Alicia Becerril (left)

"I want to thank Joe (Alioto-Veronese) and the Alioto family. On behalf of the United States Congress, and in particular the California delegation. We're incredibly proud to have Cardinal Levada be the highest-ranking American catholic that we've ever had at the Vatican.

"I spoke to Nancy Pelosi before I left and she wishes you the very best and, of course, is incredibly proud. San Francisco and California can be very proud today", Sanchez said enthusiastically.

Reverend Amos Brown, accompanied by his wife, Jane, said of Levada's elevation, "This is a historical day for me as a protestant, to be here to celebrate a high point for Cardinal Levada whom I've worked with in San Francisco on issues for the betterment of the community.

Reverend Amos Brown and Jane Brown

"My wife and I have the honor and privilege to have another opportunity to reach out to faith-based communities, united by a common bond in an eternal quest for the betterment of humanity.

"Cardinal Levada embodies great compassion, love, optimism and hope. I think it's a great statement for him to be elevated to Cardinal and a great statement for San Francisco."

Joe Alioto-Veronese, lead San Francisco delegate, marked the occasion saying, "I think today was an amazing day for Cardinal Levada. On a personal level, as a San Franciscan, today was an historic day for San Francisco.

"We now have a friend in the Vatican who understands San Francisco's values that could help to break down the walls of disagreement and divisiveness by getting to know each other's points of view, and respecting those points of view based on mutual respect."

Alioto-Veronese presents Levada with a crystal Seal of the City of San Francisco
to mark Levada's historic elevation to Cardinal

Susan Horsfall (left)

Commenting on the occasion with a message for San Franciscans, Cardinal Levada told the Sentinel, "Here we are in the country of Saint Francis. We're thinking about San Francisco and about San Franciscans.

"We wish all of you well. God bless you.

"It's a very exciting day for me and for friends who have come from San Francisco, California, and Oregon, and I'm looking forward to my next visit back home."

Cardinal Levada receives satellite phone congratulations
from Angela Alioto, with son, Joe, helping to keep Levada dry.