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
Last Sunday, October 5th, it was my great joy to join clergy, consecrated religious men and women, and lay faithful of the @archphilly at the Mother Church of our Archdiocese, @cathedralphila and the @saintkatharinedrexelshrine, for the 25th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Katharine Drexel, our beloved local saint!
Canonization Documentary:
https://vimeo.com/569632684?ts=0&share=copy
Saint Katharine Drexel, pray for us!
Last Sunday, October 5th, it was my great joy to join clergy, consecrated religious men and women, and lay faithful of the @archphilly at the Mother Church of our Archdiocese, @cathedralphila and the @saintkatharinedrexelshrine, for the 25th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Katharine Drexel, our beloved local saint!
Canonization Documentary:
https://vimeo.com/569632684?ts=0&share=copy
Saint Katharine Drexel, pray for us! …
Tomorrow (Thursday, 10/9) at 9:10 am (ET) I will join Msgr. Jim Vlaun, President and CEO of @catholicfaithnetwork , on CFN Live to share about portions of our recently launched Trust and Hope Initiative here in the @archphilly.
You can watch live here: https://www.catholicfaithnetwork.org/cfn-livestream-player
#TrustandHopePHL #catholicchurchofphila #catholicchurchphila
Tomorrow (Thursday, 10/9) at 9:10 am (ET) I will join Msgr. Jim Vlaun, President and CEO of @catholicfaithnetwork , on CFN Live to share about portions of our recently launched Trust and Hope Initiative here in the @archphilly.
You can watch live here: https://www.catholicfaithnetwork.org/cfn-livestream-player
#TrustandHopePHL #catholicchurchofphila #catholicchurchphila …
Last week, I had the joy of visiting our Redemptoris Mater Diocesan Missionary Seminary, a community of diocesan seminarians of the Neo-Catechumenal Way, an evangelizing international missionary community. These seminarians come from throughout the U.S. and the world to serve the @archphilly, God willing, as future priests.
Pray for all of our seminarians!!!
Last week, I had the joy of visiting our Redemptoris Mater Diocesan Missionary Seminary, a community of diocesan seminarians of the Neo-Catechumenal Way, an evangelizing international missionary community. These seminarians come from throughout the U.S. and the world to serve the @archphilly, God willing, as future priests.
Pray for all of our seminarians!!! …
Posted @withregram • @catholiccharitiesphila This weekend we unite as one Church for In-Pew Weekend. Through the Catholic Charities Appeal (CCA) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, we are Giving Hope to All by feeding the hungry, comforting the sick, and reaching 1 in 5 people across our region.
Join us today at give.catholiccharitiesappeal.org or make a gift this weekend during Mass.
#GiveHopeToAll #FaithInAction #CatholicCharitiesAppeal
Posted @withregram • @catholiccharitiesphila This weekend we unite as one Church for In-Pew Weekend. Through the Catholic Charities Appeal (CCA) of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, we are Giving Hope to All by feeding the hungry, comforting the sick, and reaching 1 in 5 people across our region.
Join us today at give.catholiccharitiesappeal.org or make a gift this weekend during Mass.
#GiveHopeToAll #FaithInAction #CatholicCharitiesAppeal …
Last evening, I was joined by Archbishop Borys Gudziak, the Metropolitan-Archbishop of the @archeparchy_philadelphia, along with several other clergy and Christian faithful at the @cathedralphila to commemorate the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. Pope Francis called for this anniversary celebration as part of the Jubilee Year observance.
The Holy Father stated that, “The Council of Nicaea was a milestone in the Church’s history. The celebration of its anniversary invites Christians to join in a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to the Blessed Trinity and in particular to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, ‘consubstantial with the Father’.
Last evening, I was joined by Archbishop Borys Gudziak, the Metropolitan-Archbishop of the @archeparchy_philadelphia, along with several other clergy and Christian faithful at the @cathedralphila to commemorate the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. Pope Francis called for this anniversary celebration as part of the Jubilee Year observance.
The Holy Father stated that, “The Council of Nicaea was a milestone in the Church’s history. The celebration of its anniversary invites Christians to join in a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to the Blessed Trinity and in particular to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, ‘consubstantial with the Father’. …
As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, on Saturday, I was thrilled to be alongside Bishop Deliman, Retired Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia; Bishop Cooke and Bishop Esmilla, Auxiliary Bishops of Philadelphia and our brother priests from throughout the @archphilly for the celebration of the Hispanic Heritage Mass.
It filled me with great joy to see so many clergy, consecrated religious, and lay faithful from our Hispanic Apostolate, representing 37 parishes and 3 worship sites, come together for this beautiful Eucharistic Celebration. Each year we hold this celebrationin October in commemoration of the contributions and diversity the Hispanic Catholic community throughout our 5 county region!
I extend my prayerful gratitude to our Office for Hispanic Catholics, who organized this day; La Coral Hispana de Filadelfia, who provided beautiful Liturgical Music; and all who contributed to making this a successful event!
~~~~~
Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia – Ministerio Hispano:
“Celebración de la Herencia Hispana y Jubileo de los Migrantes durante el Jubileo de la Esperanza con la presencia del Arzobispo Nelson Pérez y los Obispos Deliman, Cooke y Esmilla.
🙌 ¡Un día hermoso para
honrar nuestra fe, cultura y unidad en este Jubileo de la Esperanza!
🎶 Gracias a La Coral Hispana de Filadelfia y al 🎤 P. Francesco D’Amico por ayudarnos a celebrar con tanta alegría este día especial.”
As we continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, on Saturday, I was thrilled to be alongside Bishop Deliman, Retired Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia; Bishop Cooke and Bishop Esmilla, Auxiliary Bishops of Philadelphia and our brother priests from throughout the @archphilly for the celebration of the Hispanic Heritage Mass.
It filled me with great joy to see so many clergy, consecrated religious, and lay faithful from our Hispanic Apostolate, representing 37 parishes and 3 worship sites, come together for this beautiful Eucharistic Celebration. Each year we hold this celebrationin October in commemoration of the contributions and diversity the Hispanic Catholic community throughout our 5 county region!
I extend my prayerful gratitude to our Office for Hispanic Catholics, who organized this day; La Coral Hispana de Filadelfia, who provided beautiful Liturgical Music; and all who contributed to making this a successful event!
~~~~~
Arquidiócesis de Filadelfia – Ministerio Hispano:
“Celebración de la Herencia Hispana y Jubileo de los Migrantes durante el Jubileo de la Esperanza con la presencia del Arzobispo Nelson Pérez y los Obispos Deliman, Cooke y Esmilla.
🙌 ¡Un día hermoso para
honrar nuestra fe, cultura y unidad en este Jubileo de la Esperanza!
🎶 Gracias a La Coral Hispana de Filadelfia y al 🎤 P. Francesco D’Amico por ayudarnos a celebrar con tanta alegría este día especial.” …
Recently the Pennsylvania Department of Education recognized @stelizabethparishschool, in the @archphilly @aops_schools , for being an inaugural 2025 Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon School by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Saint Elizabeth School was extraordinarily the only private school as well as the only school in the Exemplary High Performing category! Heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to the entire Saint Elizabeth community on this well deserved recognition!
May God bless you abundantly!
Recently the Pennsylvania Department of Education recognized @stelizabethparishschool, in the @archphilly @aops_schools , for being an inaugural 2025 Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon School by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Saint Elizabeth School was extraordinarily the only private school as well as the only school in the Exemplary High Performing category! Heartfelt congratulations and prayerful best wishes to the entire Saint Elizabeth community on this well deserved recognition!
May God bless you abundantly! …
On Monday, it was my joy to be with Father Christopher Redcay, Rector and the over 200 alumni, friends, faculty, and seminarians of @stcharlessem, to celebrate the success of the 12th Annual Seminary Golf Classic. Prayerful best wishes to the staff and volunteers as well as all those whose generosity and support continue to further the seminary’s mission of formation of missionary disciples who are shepherds after the heart of Jesus for ministry in the @archphilly and beyond!
Learn more about the golf classic at scs.edu/golf!
On Monday, it was my joy to be with Father Christopher Redcay, Rector and the over 200 alumni, friends, faculty, and seminarians of @stcharlessem, to celebrate the success of the 12th Annual Seminary Golf Classic. Prayerful best wishes to the staff and volunteers as well as all those whose generosity and support continue to further the seminary’s mission of formation of missionary disciples who are shepherds after the heart of Jesus for ministry in the @archphilly and beyond!
Learn more about the golf classic at scs.edu/golf! …
On Tuesday evening, I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down live with Veronica Dudo of EWTN News Nightly for an interview to talk about components of the Catholic Church of Philadelphia’s Trust and Hope Initiative, which we launched on Monday.
You can view the segment at Link in Bio
#catholicchurchofphila #catholicchurchphila #trustandhopephl #EWTN #archdioceseofphiladelphia
On Tuesday evening, I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down live with Veronica Dudo of EWTN News Nightly for an interview to talk about components of the Catholic Church of Philadelphia’s Trust and Hope Initiative, which we launched on Monday.
You can view the segment at Link in Bio
#catholicchurchofphila #catholicchurchphila #trustandhopephl #EWTN #archdioceseofphiladelphia …
Earlier this week, I was blessed to join administrators of the Office of Catholic Education as well as principals, faculty, and staff representatives from parish and regional elementary schools in the @archphilly for a local presentation for @aops_schools led by the @notredame @aceatnd Latino Engagement Institute (LEI).
Learn more about the LEI’s great work at: ace.nd.edu/alma/lei
Earlier this week, I was blessed to join administrators of the Office of Catholic Education as well as principals, faculty, and staff representatives from parish and regional elementary schools in the @archphilly for a local presentation for @aops_schools led by the @notredame @aceatnd Latino Engagement Institute (LEI).
Learn more about the LEI’s great work at: ace.nd.edu/alma/lei …
On this first day of #October2025 we also mark the beginning of Respect Life Month here in the @archphilly and across the U.S.
Please join me in fervently praying, throughout this month, for a renewed respect for the sanctity of human life.
May God bless you abundantly!
@christinthecity_philly @prolifeuniongreaterphilly @ccharitiesphila
To learn more and for resources visit: https://www.respectlife.org/
#trustandhopephl #october #RespectLifeMonth
On this first day of #October2025 we also mark the beginning of Respect Life Month here in the @archphilly and across the U.S.
Please join me in fervently praying, throughout this month, for a renewed respect for the sanctity of human life.
May God bless you abundantly!
@christinthecity_philly @prolifeuniongreaterphilly @ccharitiesphila
To learn more and for resources visit: https://www.respectlife.org/
#trustandhopephl #october #RespectLifeMonth …
This week, our @archphilly is honored to be hosting the Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference (DFMC) here in Center City, Philadelphia. On Sunday, I was blessed to join them for the opening session and presentation of this year’s Saint Matthew Medal Recipient, which honors “Zeal for Catholic Evangelization, Leadership in the Profession, and Giving Back to Others.”
The annual DFMC brings together lay faithful, consecrated religious, and clergy who are appointed by their diocesan bishop with responsibilities in fiscal and/or administrative matters for their Archdioceses/Dioceses across the U.S.
Learn more at: dfmconf.org
This week, our @archphilly is honored to be hosting the Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference (DFMC) here in Center City, Philadelphia. On Sunday, I was blessed to join them for the opening session and presentation of this year’s Saint Matthew Medal Recipient, which honors “Zeal for Catholic Evangelization, Leadership in the Profession, and Giving Back to Others.”
The annual DFMC brings together lay faithful, consecrated religious, and clergy who are appointed by their diocesan bishop with responsibilities in fiscal and/or administrative matters for their Archdioceses/Dioceses across the U.S.
Learn more at: dfmconf.org …