Our Archbishop
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez, born in Miami in 1961 and raised in New Jersey, was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1989 after earning degrees in psychology and theology. He served in various pastoral and educational roles, including ministry to Hispanic Catholics, founding the Catholic Institute for Evangelization, and teaching at La Salle University and Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. After serving as pastor of Saint William Parish in Philadelphia and Saint Agnes Parish in West Chester, PA, he was ordained an Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre in 2012 and appointed Bishop of Cleveland in 2017. In 2020, he returned to Philadelphia as its 14th Bishop and 10th Archbishop.
Known for his vision of a “Church on Mission,” Archbishop Pérez has held key leadership roles within the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. He currently serves on the Pontifical Commission for Latin America and is a board member of the Black and Indian Mission Office. In addition, he serves as Episcopal Advisor and Board Member of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry.
Archbishop Pérez is also the Chairman of the Board of Catholic Relief Services, one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations. He sits on the Board of Trustees of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C.
A recipient of honorary doctorates from La Salle University, Neumann University, and Villanova University, Archbishop Pérez brings a kind, joyful, and dedicated spirit to the ministries and people entrusted to his care.
A Lifelong Call to Serve
Early Life & Education
1961
Born June 16 in Miami, Florida to David and Emma Pérez; raised in West New York, NJ
1983
Earned Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Montclair State University
1988
Earned Master of Divinity from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia
1989
Earned Master of Arts in Theology from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary
Priesthood
May 20, 1989
Ordained priest for Archdiocese of Philadelphia at Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
1989-1993
Parochial Vicar at Saint Ambrose Parish, Philadelphia
1990-1993
Assistant director of Office for Hispanic Catholics
1993-2002
Founding director of Catholic Institute for Evangelization
1994-2008
Taught psychology and religious studies courses at La Salle University, Philadelphia
1998
Named Chaplain to Pope John Paul II with title of Monsignor
2002-2009
Pastor of Saint William Parish, Philadelphia
2009
Named Prelate of Honor by Pope Benedict XVI
2009-2012
Pastor of Saint Agnes Parish, West Chester, PA
Fall 2011
Taught Developmental Psychology at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary
Episcopal Ministry
June 8, 2012
Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Diocese of Rockville Centre, NY by Pope Benedict XVI
July 25, 2012
Ordained Bishop at Saint Agnes Cathedral, Rockville Centre, NY by Bishop William F. Murphy
2012-2017
Served as Auxiliary Bishop with various roles including Episcopal Vicar for Eastern Vicariate (66 parishes) and Hispanic Ministry (54 parishes)
July 11, 2017
Appointed 11th Bishop of Diocese of Cleveland by Pope Francis
September 5, 2017
Installed at Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist, Cleveland
January 23, 2020
Appointed 14th Bishop and 10th Archbishop of Archdiocese of Philadelphia by Pope Francis
Recent Honors & Appointments
December 7, 2020
Appointed to Pontifical Commission for Latin America by Pope Francis
September 2021
Received Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from La Salle University
November 2022
Appointed Chair of Board of Catholic Relief Services (three-year term)
December 2022
Received Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Neumann University
May 2024
Received Honorary Doctorate in Sacred Letters from Villanova University
Leadership Roles
- Chair, USCCB Standing Committee on Cultural Diversity
- Chair, USCCB Sub-Committee for Hispanic Affairs
- Lead Bishop for V Encuentro process (USCCB)
- Bishop liaison for National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry
- Member of various USCCB boards including Religious Liberty and Administrative Committees
The Pastoral Letter
In a time that calls for unity, renewal, and vision, Archbishop Pérez invites every member of our local Church to join him in a heartfelt and honest conversation about our future together. Trust and Hope is more than a letter – it is a call to walk forward as one, guided by faith, courage, and belief in each other. This letter marks the beginning of a journey we will take together. Your voice, your prayers, and your presence are not only welcome – they are essential.
Let the conversation begin.
Coat of Arms
The coat of arms of Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez blends the deep personal roots of his heritage with the rich legacy of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. On one side of the shield are the arms of the Archdiocese, recalling both its secular and sacred foundations. The other half of the shield reveals the personal arms of Archbishop Pérez.
Below, the Archbishop’s motto reads “Confide et Spera,” or “Trust and Hope,” a quiet command to place our confidence in the Lord. In this coat of arms, faith, heritage, and hope are woven together — a visual testament to a shepherd guided by both personal history and divine light.
The Archbishop’s Initiatives
Commission for Racial Healing
Instituted by Archbishop Pérez in 2021, this diverse advisory body addresses the mortal sin of racism through Catholic Social Teaching and peaceful action.
Contact Ms. Marcelle McGuirk: openwideourhearts@archphila.org
Benefit for Children
Catholic Charities of Philadelphia helps children and families thrive through the Archbishop’s Benefit for Children each Advent. It supports vital programs assisting those facing dire challenges throughout the region.
Commission for Missionary Disciples
In 2020, Archbishop Pérez launched the Commission for Missionary Disciples to build a culture of discipleship. It introduced Ablaze Retreats & Schools of Discipleship, supporting his TrustandHope.org vision.
Support the Church’s Other Initiatives
The Catholic Church of Philadelphia supports initiatives that uplift communities and serve those in need through education, outreach, charity, and advocacy—reflecting our Gospel-rooted commitment to compassion, dignity, and building a just, merciful society.
Connect with the Archbishop
You are invited to a Lenten opportunity for the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation along with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the Mother Church of the @archphilly, @cathedralphila, during the 24 Hours for the Lord on March 13 and 14, 2026.
The purpose of this observance, which began in 2015, is to emphasize that the Mercy of God is the core message of the Gospel, and the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is at the center of the pastoral life of the Church. 24 Hours for the Lord occurs during Lent because of the season’s focus on repentance and conversion from sin to the new life of grace in Christ.
The liturgical schedule follows:
Friday, March 13, 2026
7:00 PM — Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament with the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (Several confessors available, English and Spanish)
8:15 PM — Simple Reposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament
Saturday March 14, 2026
11:00 AM — Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament with the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (Several confessors available, English and Spanish)
12 Noon — Simple Reposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament
12:05 PM — Holy Mass, Cathedral Chapel
4:15 PM — Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament with the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (Several confessors available, English and Spanish)
5:10 PM — Simple Reposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament
5:15 PM — Anticipated Holy Mass for Sunday, Cathedral Basilica
You are invited to a Lenten opportunity for the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation along with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the Mother Church of the @archphilly, @cathedralphila, during the 24 Hours for the Lord on March 13 and 14, 2026.
The purpose of this observance, which began in 2015, is to emphasize that the Mercy of God is the core message of the Gospel, and the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation is at the center of the pastoral life of the Church. 24 Hours for the Lord occurs during Lent because of the season’s focus on repentance and conversion from sin to the new life of grace in Christ.
The liturgical schedule follows:
Friday, March 13, 2026
7:00 PM — Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament with the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (Several confessors available, English and Spanish)
8:15 PM — Simple Reposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament
Saturday March 14, 2026
11:00 AM — Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament with the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (Several confessors available, English and Spanish)
12 Noon — Simple Reposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament
12:05 PM — Holy Mass, Cathedral Chapel
4:15 PM — Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament with the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation (Several confessors available, English and Spanish)
5:10 PM — Simple Reposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament
5:15 PM — Anticipated Holy Mass for Sunday, Cathedral Basilica …
Last Saturday, it was my great to celebrate Mass for participants of the annual @manup_philly Philly: Men’s Conference, Philadelphia held at @cohslions, at the conclusion of an uplifting and energizing day. Attendees heard from inspiring missionary disciples including Father Douglas McKay, founder of Our House Ministries; Chris Geysens, chairman and CEO of Wawa, former Philadelphia Eagle Kevin Reilly; and internationally acclaimed Irish Tenor Mark Forrest.
Learn more at: manupphilly.com
Last Saturday, it was my great to celebrate Mass for participants of the annual @manup_philly Philly: Men’s Conference, Philadelphia held at @cohslions, at the conclusion of an uplifting and energizing day. Attendees heard from inspiring missionary disciples including Father Douglas McKay, founder of Our House Ministries; Chris Geysens, chairman and CEO of Wawa, former Philadelphia Eagle Kevin Reilly; and internationally acclaimed Irish Tenor Mark Forrest.
Learn more at: manupphilly.com …
Last Thursday evening, 35 young people , representing @sthilary_rydal and @shs_rydal received the Sacrament of Confirmation and Gifts of the Holy Spirit. I was blessed to be with them and alongside Father Kevin Murray, Pastor of St. Hilary, parish clergy, their loved ones and community.
Come, Holy Spirit 🔥🕊️!
#SacramentofConfirmation #Catholic #catholicchurchofphila #MontcoPA #lent
Last Thursday evening, 35 young people , representing @sthilary_rydal and @shs_rydal received the Sacrament of Confirmation and Gifts of the Holy Spirit. I was blessed to be with them and alongside Father Kevin Murray, Pastor of St. Hilary, parish clergy, their loved ones and community.
Come, Holy Spirit 🔥🕊️!
#SacramentofConfirmation #Catholic #catholicchurchofphila #MontcoPA #lent …
On Tuesday, the Catholic Church of Philadelphia, answered a recent national call by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and held a day of prayer for peace with Mass and a Holy Hour followed by Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament, at the Mother Church of our Archdiocese, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia in Center City . It was moving to see the prayerful solidarity and participation, in person and via live stream. Throughout this Lenten season let us continue to pray for peace in our homes, our communities, and our nation.
On Tuesday, the Catholic Church of Philadelphia, answered a recent national call by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and held a day of prayer for peace with Mass and a Holy Hour followed by Exposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament, at the Mother Church of our Archdiocese, the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia in Center City . It was moving to see the prayerful solidarity and participation, in person and via live stream. Throughout this Lenten season let us continue to pray for peace in our homes, our communities, and our nation. …
We had a beautiful celebration of the Eucharist on the First Sunday of Lent, at the @cathedralphi, this past weekend.
I pray this Lenten journey draws each of us closer to Christ and the missionary disciples he’s calling us to be through prayer, fasting, almsgiving!
May God bless you abundantly.
We had a beautiful celebration of the Eucharist on the First Sunday of Lent, at the @cathedralphi, this past weekend.
I pray this Lenten journey draws each of us closer to Christ and the missionary disciples he’s calling us to be through prayer, fasting, almsgiving!
May God bless you abundantly. …
On the first Saturday and Sunday of Lent, this past weekend, the Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates was held at the Mother Church of the Catholic Church of Philadelphia, the @cathedralphila. It was my great joy to preside over and witness the more than 1200 of our brothers and sisters marking this final period of intense prayer and preparation! They will be welcomed into full communion in the Church at the Easter Vigil, on Holy Saturday, in parishes throughout our 5 county region.
Please continue to pray for them during this time!
#Lent #Catholic #CatholicChurchofPhila #TrustandHope #riteofelection
On the first Saturday and Sunday of Lent, this past weekend, the Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates was held at the Mother Church of the Catholic Church of Philadelphia, the @cathedralphila. It was my great joy to preside over and witness the more than 1200 of our brothers and sisters marking this final period of intense prayer and preparation! They will be welcomed into full communion in the Church at the Easter Vigil, on Holy Saturday, in parishes throughout our 5 county region.
Please continue to pray for them during this time!
#Lent #Catholic #CatholicChurchofPhila #TrustandHope #riteofelection …
This weekend I was overjoyed to preside at the Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates. This year, we have over 1200 from all over the Catholic Church of Philadelphia gathered at @cathedralphila — what a blessing 🕊️🙏!
Photos to follow from this weekend’s Rite of Elections.
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#RiteofElection #Catechumen #candidate #CatholicChurchofPhila #lent
This weekend I was overjoyed to preside at the Rite of Election of Catechumens and Call to Continuing Conversion of Candidates. This year, we have over 1200 from all over the Catholic Church of Philadelphia gathered at @cathedralphila — what a blessing 🕊️🙏!
Photos to follow from this weekend’s Rite of Elections.
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#RiteofElection #Catechumen #candidate #CatholicChurchofPhila #lent …
On Ash Wednesday at our Mother Church, the @cathedralphila, Philadelphia, faithful from across the Catholic Church of Philadelphia received blessed ashes at Mass to mark the beginning of Lent.
Please pray for me as I continue to pray for you during this Holy Season of Lent!
On Ash Wednesday at our Mother Church, the @cathedralphila, Philadelphia, faithful from across the Catholic Church of Philadelphia received blessed ashes at Mass to mark the beginning of Lent.
Please pray for me as I continue to pray for you during this Holy Season of Lent! …
Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the @usccb s, calls for prayer for peace on the part of all the members of the Church as our country experiences unrest especially surrounding issues of migration.
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, I invite you to join me in the celebration of the Holy Mass, at 12:05 pm, at the Mother Church of the @archphilly , the @cathedralphila, for the intention of peace throughout the country. If you can’t attend in person I invite you to prayerfully participate via live stream on my Facebook page or at vimeo.com/event/5711319.
The Holy Mass will be followed by a Holy Hour for peace. The Most Blessed Sacrament will remain Exposed in the Cathedral until 5pm on Tuesday, February 24th and Benediction will take place at 5pm. 🙏🕊️
Archbishop Paul Coakley, president of the @usccb s, calls for prayer for peace on the part of all the members of the Church as our country experiences unrest especially surrounding issues of migration.
On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, I invite you to join me in the celebration of the Holy Mass, at 12:05 pm, at the Mother Church of the @archphilly , the @cathedralphila, for the intention of peace throughout the country. If you can’t attend in person I invite you to prayerfully participate via live stream on my Facebook page or at vimeo.com/event/5711319.
The Holy Mass will be followed by a Holy Hour for peace. The Most Blessed Sacrament will remain Exposed in the Cathedral until 5pm on Tuesday, February 24th and Benediction will take place at 5pm. 🙏🕊️ …
What a joy it was for me to celebrate Mass and spend time with the @gwynedd_mercy_academy_es community, on Tuesday morning.
These visits to schools, parishes, and ministries throughout the Catholic Church of Philadelphia give me such hope.
It was wonderful to hear from the students what makes their school special to them. I also had the opportunity to share prayerful gratitude to the faculty, staff, and volunteers for accompanying these young hearts and minds in their education and holistic formation as young missionary disciples for the world around them!
What a joy it was for me to celebrate Mass and spend time with the @gwynedd_mercy_academy_es community, on Tuesday morning.
These visits to schools, parishes, and ministries throughout the Catholic Church of Philadelphia give me such hope.
It was wonderful to hear from the students what makes their school special to them. I also had the opportunity to share prayerful gratitude to the faculty, staff, and volunteers for accompanying these young hearts and minds in their education and holistic formation as young missionary disciples for the world around them! …
On this blessed Ash Wednesday, which also happens to mark the sixth anniversary of my installation as the Archbishop of the Catholic Church of Philadelphia, I want to thank you for your continued prayers and support. I’m so blessed to be with you.
Never underestimate the power of the Spirit of God working in us, through us, and despite us. May God bless you! 🕊️❤️
On this blessed Ash Wednesday, which also happens to mark the sixth anniversary of my installation as the Archbishop of the Catholic Church of Philadelphia, I want to thank you for your continued prayers and support. I’m so blessed to be with you.
Never underestimate the power of the Spirit of God working in us, through us, and despite us. May God bless you! 🕊️❤️ …
Today, the clergy, consecrated religious and lay faithful of the Catholic Church of Philadelphia join the universal Church on a 40-day Lenten journey in which we are encouraged to participate in acts of fasting, good works, and prayer throughout Lent and in spiritual preparation for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery (the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord)!
Learn more and find the link to the Holy Father’s full 2026 Lenten Message via @catholicphilly 🔗 in bio
It is my joy to walk this Lenten journey with you as we grow together in our missionary discipleship for Christ and His Church. Please pray for me and be assured of my prayers for you each day. 🕊️🙏
#catholicchurchofphila #AshWednesday #lent #catholic
Today, the clergy, consecrated religious and lay faithful of the Catholic Church of Philadelphia join the universal Church on a 40-day Lenten journey in which we are encouraged to participate in acts of fasting, good works, and prayer throughout Lent and in spiritual preparation for the celebration of the Paschal Mystery (the passion, death, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord)!
Learn more and find the link to the Holy Father’s full 2026 Lenten Message via @catholicphilly 🔗 in bio
It is my joy to walk this Lenten journey with you as we grow together in our missionary discipleship for Christ and His Church. Please pray for me and be assured of my prayers for you each day. 🕊️🙏
#catholicchurchofphila #AshWednesday #lent #catholic …