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 has served as the Chairman of the Board of Catholic Relief Services, one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations. He serves 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
I enthusiastically welcome Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), with profound gratitude and encourage all people to read it with care and reflect on its vital message.
The Holy Father’s teaching on safeguarding human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence speaks to a critical need and brings clarity to a confusing landscape. While this powerful technology presents significant opportunities to advance healthcare, education, and share the Good News of the Gospel, it also poses significant moral and ethical pitfalls that must be navigated and reflected upon.
Pope Leo emphasizes with crystal clarity that the sanctity of human life must remain paramount as artificial intelligence systems continue to develop and become more closely integrated into nearly every aspect of our lives.
The Holy Father has rightly called for rapid technological advancements to be accompanied by a moral and ethical framework that guides their usage. In Magnifica Humanitas he says, “So-called artificial intelligences do not undergo experiences, do not possess a body, do not feel joy or pain, do not mature through relationships and do not know from within what love, work, friendship or responsibility mean. Nor do they have a moral conscience, since they do not judge good and evil, grasp the ultimate meaning of situations, or bear responsibility for consequences.”
Pope Leo also clearly defined the challenge before us in his encyclical by stating, “Humanity, created by God in all its grandeur, is today facing a pivotal choice: either to construct a new Tower of Babel or to build the city in which God and humanity dwell together.” With the heart of a shepherd and a father, the Pope asks everyone, “to join forces in building up the common good, so that humanity will never lose its beauty, and the world once again will come to recognize the human heart as the place where God desires to dwell.”
For full statement visit @catholicphilly: link in bio
I enthusiastically welcome Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (Magnificent Humanity), with profound gratitude and encourage all people to read it with care and reflect on its vital message.
The Holy Father’s teaching on safeguarding human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence speaks to a critical need and brings clarity to a confusing landscape. While this powerful technology presents significant opportunities to advance healthcare, education, and share the Good News of the Gospel, it also poses significant moral and ethical pitfalls that must be navigated and reflected upon.
Pope Leo emphasizes with crystal clarity that the sanctity of human life must remain paramount as artificial intelligence systems continue to develop and become more closely integrated into nearly every aspect of our lives.
The Holy Father has rightly called for rapid technological advancements to be accompanied by a moral and ethical framework that guides their usage. In Magnifica Humanitas he says, “So-called artificial intelligences do not undergo experiences, do not possess a body, do not feel joy or pain, do not mature through relationships and do not know from within what love, work, friendship or responsibility mean. Nor do they have a moral conscience, since they do not judge good and evil, grasp the ultimate meaning of situations, or bear responsibility for consequences.”
Pope Leo also clearly defined the challenge before us in his encyclical by stating, “Humanity, created by God in all its grandeur, is today facing a pivotal choice: either to construct a new Tower of Babel or to build the city in which God and humanity dwell together.” With the heart of a shepherd and a father, the Pope asks everyone, “to join forces in building up the common good, so that humanity will never lose its beauty, and the world once again will come to recognize the human heart as the place where God desires to dwell.”
For full statement visit @catholicphilly: link in bio …
As we enjoy the Memorial Day weekend with family and friends, let us pause in prayerful and solemn remembrance of all those who sacrificed their lives while serving in our country’s Armed Forces to protect the freedoms we enjoy each day. May God grant them eternal rest.
May the Blessed Mother wrap those who mourn them in her loving mantle. May we always remember their service with deep gratitude and
May God bless America with peace and unity in these troubled times. 🇺🇸
As we enjoy the Memorial Day weekend with family and friends, let us pause in prayerful and solemn remembrance of all those who sacrificed their lives while serving in our country’s Armed Forces to protect the freedoms we enjoy each day. May God grant them eternal rest.
May the Blessed Mother wrap those who mourn them in her loving mantle. May we always remember their service with deep gratitude and
May God bless America with peace and unity in these troubled times. 🇺🇸 …
Last week, in Hershey, the bishops and priests of the @archphilly gathered for our annual Priests Convocation in ongoing priestly formation. We were joined by Archdiocesan leadership from the Pastoral Center including Strategy and Development. Additionally, leadership from organizations including the Catholic Leadership Institute and Archdiocesan ministries were present.
My brother bishops, priests, and I were blessed to unite in Celebration of the Eucharist, prayer, priestly formation, and fraternal fellowship over several days and under the theme of “Keep them in your name,” from the Gospel of John. 🙏
Last week, in Hershey, the bishops and priests of the @archphilly gathered for our annual Priests Convocation in ongoing priestly formation. We were joined by Archdiocesan leadership from the Pastoral Center including Strategy and Development. Additionally, leadership from organizations including the Catholic Leadership Institute and Archdiocesan ministries were present.
My brother bishops, priests, and I were blessed to unite in Celebration of the Eucharist, prayer, priestly formation, and fraternal fellowship over several days and under the theme of “Keep them in your name,” from the Gospel of John. 🙏 …
Today, on this Pentecost Sunday, I’m overjoyed to Confirm 62 young adults at the Mother Church of our @archphilly, the @cathedralphila !
Come, Holy Spirit, Come! 🕊️🔥
#Pentecost #catholicchurchofphiladelphia #SacramentofConfirmation
Today, on this Pentecost Sunday, I’m overjoyed to Confirm 62 young adults at the Mother Church of our @archphilly, the @cathedralphila !
Come, Holy Spirit, Come! 🕊️🔥
#Pentecost #catholicchurchofphiladelphia #SacramentofConfirmation …
Just as the Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and went out into the world to Proclaim the Gospel, I pray that Pentecost will fill you with inspiration and a burning desire to be a Missionary Disciple for Christ.
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May the gifts of the Holy Spirit strengthen and sustain you on this Pentecost Sunday and always!
#Pentecost #catholicchurchofphiladelphia #catholic
Just as the Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and went out into the world to Proclaim the Gospel, I pray that Pentecost will fill you with inspiration and a burning desire to be a Missionary Disciple for Christ.
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🕊️🔥
May the gifts of the Holy Spirit strengthen and sustain you on this Pentecost Sunday and always!
#Pentecost #catholicchurchofphiladelphia #catholic …
Last Sunday 30 young people from the Saint Peter the Apostle Church and @spaschool_ community received the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Sacrament of Confirmation. I was blessed to be with them alongside Very Rev. Michael Cunningham, CSsR, Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle, parish clergy, consecrated religious sisters, loved ones, and their community.
Come, Holy Spirit!
Last Sunday 30 young people from the Saint Peter the Apostle Church and @spaschool_ community received the Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Sacrament of Confirmation. I was blessed to be with them alongside Very Rev. Michael Cunningham, CSsR, Pastor of St. Peter the Apostle, parish clergy, consecrated religious sisters, loved ones, and their community.
Come, Holy Spirit! …
Recently, @stcharlessem’s Priest Alumni Association held the annual Jubilarian Mass which celebrated 20 of my brother priests’ of the Catholic Church of Philadelphia as well as our Archbishop Emeritus, Cardinal Justin Rigali’s priestly ordination anniversaries. God is so good!
Please join me in prayerful gratitude for their service to God and His people.
See the full list of this year’s jubilarians via CatholicPhilly.com here: https://catholicphilly.com/2026/05/news/local-news/congratulations-to-priest-jubilarians-new-priests-of-2026/
Get @reshare_app • @stcharlessem The Priest Alumni Association hosted the Alumni Priest Jubilee Mass and Dinner on Thursday, May 7 in the Immaculate Conception Chapel. Bishop Christopher Cooke, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia and Ordination Class of 2006, served as the main celebrant, and Monsignor Michael McCulken, Ordination Class of 1976, was the homilist.
Members of the Ordination Classes of 1966 (60 years ordained), 1971 (55 years ordained), 1976 (50 years ordained), and 2001 (25 years ordained) are pictured here on the steps of the chapel. Following Mass, a cocktail reception and dinner were held in the Auditorium and Refectory.
Recently, @stcharlessem’s Priest Alumni Association held the annual Jubilarian Mass which celebrated 20 of my brother priests’ of the Catholic Church of Philadelphia as well as our Archbishop Emeritus, Cardinal Justin Rigali’s priestly ordination anniversaries. God is so good!
Please join me in prayerful gratitude for their service to God and His people.
See the full list of this year’s jubilarians via CatholicPhilly.com here: https://catholicphilly.com/2026/05/news/local-news/congratulations-to-priest-jubilarians-new-priests-of-2026/
Get @reshare_app • @stcharlessem The Priest Alumni Association hosted the Alumni Priest Jubilee Mass and Dinner on Thursday, May 7 in the Immaculate Conception Chapel. Bishop Christopher Cooke, Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia and Ordination Class of 2006, served as the main celebrant, and Monsignor Michael McCulken, Ordination Class of 1976, was the homilist.
Members of the Ordination Classes of 1966 (60 years ordained), 1971 (55 years ordained), 1976 (50 years ordained), and 2001 (25 years ordained) are pictured here on the steps of the chapel. Following Mass, a cocktail reception and dinner were held in the Auditorium and Refectory. …
Good morning from Hershey, PA and the 2026 Priests’ Convocation for the @archphilly . I’m blessed to be here with my brother bishops and 230 of my brother priests as we gather in prayer and formation with the theme, “Keep them in Your name,” from the Gospel of John.
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We’re praying for you, please pray for us! 🙏🕊️
Good morning from Hershey, PA and the 2026 Priests’ Convocation for the @archphilly . I’m blessed to be here with my brother bishops and 230 of my brother priests as we gather in prayer and formation with the theme, “Keep them in Your name,” from the Gospel of John.
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We’re praying for you, please pray for us! 🙏🕊️ …
On Saturday, May 16th, the @archphilly was incredibly blessed to receive eight new priests during a solemn Mass at the @cathedralphila . The Rite of Ordination took place within the Sacred Liturgy following the Liturgy of the Word. It was my great joy alongside my brother bishops and priests to celebrate the Mass, preside over the Rite of Ordination, and offer prayerful gratitude for these eight priests and their “yes” to God.
These priests successfully completed their formation at @stcharlessem:
• Reverend Charles H. Cappelli, son of Carl and Susan Cappelli of Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
• Reverend Thomas G. Cipolla, son of Dan and Elena Cipolla of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.
• Reverend Declan J. Cole, son of Quentin and Mary Cole of Southampton, Pennsylvania.
• Reverend Alexander B. Cross, son of Daniel and Stephanie Cross of Souderton, Pennsylvania.
• Reverend Michael J. Gokie, son of Jeffery and Catherine Gokie of Columbus, Nebraska.
• Reverend Dominic William Ferdinand Mirenda, son of Theodore Joseph Mirenda Jr. and Deborah L. Rockett Mirenda of Downingtown and West Brandywine, Pennsylvania.
• Reverend Jude U. Opara, son of John and Florince Opara of Nigeria.
• Reverend Griffen Thomas Schlaepfer, son of Robert and JoAnn Schlaepfer of
Yardley, Pennsylvania.
Following ordination, most newly ordained priests are assigned to parishes throughout the
Archdiocese of Philadelphia where they will serve as parochial vicars. In this role, they assist
pastors in the spiritual, pastoral and administrative care of parish communities. Please join me in prayerful congratulations and gratitude for our new priests! 🙏🕊️
On Saturday, May 16th, the @archphilly was incredibly blessed to receive eight new priests during a solemn Mass at the @cathedralphila . The Rite of Ordination took place within the Sacred Liturgy following the Liturgy of the Word. It was my great joy alongside my brother bishops and priests to celebrate the Mass, preside over the Rite of Ordination, and offer prayerful gratitude for these eight priests and their “yes” to God.
These priests successfully completed their formation at @stcharlessem:
• Reverend Charles H. Cappelli, son of Carl and Susan Cappelli of Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
• Reverend Thomas G. Cipolla, son of Dan and Elena Cipolla of Jenkintown, Pennsylvania.
• Reverend Declan J. Cole, son of Quentin and Mary Cole of Southampton, Pennsylvania.
• Reverend Alexander B. Cross, son of Daniel and Stephanie Cross of Souderton, Pennsylvania.
• Reverend Michael J. Gokie, son of Jeffery and Catherine Gokie of Columbus, Nebraska.
• Reverend Dominic William Ferdinand Mirenda, son of Theodore Joseph Mirenda Jr. and Deborah L. Rockett Mirenda of Downingtown and West Brandywine, Pennsylvania.
• Reverend Jude U. Opara, son of John and Florince Opara of Nigeria.
• Reverend Griffen Thomas Schlaepfer, son of Robert and JoAnn Schlaepfer of
Yardley, Pennsylvania.
Following ordination, most newly ordained priests are assigned to parishes throughout the
Archdiocese of Philadelphia where they will serve as parochial vicars. In this role, they assist
pastors in the spiritual, pastoral and administrative care of parish communities. Please join me in prayerful congratulations and gratitude for our new priests! 🙏🕊️ …
Ahead of tomorrow’s celebration of the Mass and Rite of Ordination to the Priesthood at @cathedralphila, I was blessed to preside over the Concursus for @stcharlessem earlier this week alongside Reverend Christopher Redcay, Rector of the Seminary, my brother bishops and priests, faculty, and staff.
Concursus is the Seminary’s annual graduation ceremony where academic degrees are awarded to seminarians, as well as religious and lay students, enrolled in its college and graduate college programs.
Please join me in extending prayerful congratulations and best wishes to all those who received academic degrees on Wednesday.
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🙏🎓
Learn more about St. Charles Borromeo Seminary at: https://www.scs.edu
Ahead of tomorrow’s celebration of the Mass and Rite of Ordination to the Priesthood at @cathedralphila, I was blessed to preside over the Concursus for @stcharlessem earlier this week alongside Reverend Christopher Redcay, Rector of the Seminary, my brother bishops and priests, faculty, and staff.
Concursus is the Seminary’s annual graduation ceremony where academic degrees are awarded to seminarians, as well as religious and lay students, enrolled in its college and graduate college programs.
Please join me in extending prayerful congratulations and best wishes to all those who received academic degrees on Wednesday.
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Learn more about St. Charles Borromeo Seminary at: https://www.scs.edu …
This past Sunday as we celebrated Mother’s Day, and the precious gift mothers, here on earth and in heaven, are in our lives, I was blessed to celebrate Mass at our Mother Church in Philadelphia, the @cathedralphila, Philadelphia! It was joy to greet so many mothers on this special day.
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Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, May God continue to strengthen and bless all mothers and mother figures today and always! 🕊️💙🙏
This past Sunday as we celebrated Mother’s Day, and the precious gift mothers, here on earth and in heaven, are in our lives, I was blessed to celebrate Mass at our Mother Church in Philadelphia, the @cathedralphila, Philadelphia! It was joy to greet so many mothers on this special day.
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Through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, May God continue to strengthen and bless all mothers and mother figures today and always! 🕊️💙🙏 …
Today, as we joyfully commemorate the Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven, I pray that you are inspired by the Gospel reading and live out the Lord’s call to be Missionary Disciples. May we all strive to touch the hearts of others in the example of Christ with true compassion.
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Let us also find comfort in Jesus’ words, “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” May He remain with you and give you strength and peace today and always. 🕊️🙏
#ascension #AscensionThursday #catholicchurchofphiladelphia
Today, as we joyfully commemorate the Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven, I pray that you are inspired by the Gospel reading and live out the Lord’s call to be Missionary Disciples. May we all strive to touch the hearts of others in the example of Christ with true compassion.
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Let us also find comfort in Jesus’ words, “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” May He remain with you and give you strength and peace today and always. 🕊️🙏
#ascension #AscensionThursday #catholicchurchofphiladelphia …