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.; the Papal Foundation; National Eucharistic Congress; the Black and Indian Mission; the National Catholic Bio-Ethics Center; and the Catholic University of America. Archbishop Pérez also serves as the Episcopal Advisor for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM).
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
- Member of the Board of Trustees of the Papal Foundation
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
Join our @phillyomya and young adult missionary disciples from across the @archphilly, next year, for @wydseoul2027.en in Seoul, South Korea!
Learn more at: Link in Bio
I hope to see you there! 🕊️🙏❤️
#wyd2027
Join our @phillyomya and young adult missionary disciples from across the @archphilly, next year, for @wydseoul2027.en in Seoul, South Korea!
Learn more at: Link in Bio
I hope to see you there! 🕊️🙏❤️
#wyd2027 …
Únete a nuestra Oficina para el Ministerio con Jóvenes Adultos, el próximo año, para la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud 2027 en Seúl, Corea del Sur.
Más información en: phillyyam.org/wyd-2027
¡Espero verte allí!
Únete a nuestra Oficina para el Ministerio con Jóvenes Adultos, el próximo año, para la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud 2027 en Seúl, Corea del Sur.
Más información en: phillyyam.org/wyd-2027
¡Espero verte allí! …
Dear Friends,
The @phillyomya shared earlier this spring, that Father Timothy Tarnacki, O.S.P.P.E, who had served since 2023, as the Director of OMYA in the Catholic Church of Philadelphia had received a new pastoral assignment from his religious order, the Pauline Fathers, and will soon be serving as a pastor in Florida.
Below is a joint invitation from OMYA and the @czestochowaya Ministry for a Farewell event with Father Timothy on Sunday, August 23 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the @czestochowa_shrine, Doylestown, PA.
For more details and to participate please see the flyer below or visit https://phillyyam.org/events/.
We’re so blessed, under the leadership of Our Office for Faith Formation with Youth and Young Adults, to be fostering missionary discipleship and continuing to help forge meaningful pathways for the youth and young adults in the Church of Philadelphia to encounter Christ, grow in faith, and build authentic community!
Dear Friends,
The @phillyomya shared earlier this spring, that Father Timothy Tarnacki, O.S.P.P.E, who had served since 2023, as the Director of OMYA in the Catholic Church of Philadelphia had received a new pastoral assignment from his religious order, the Pauline Fathers, and will soon be serving as a pastor in Florida.
Below is a joint invitation from OMYA and the @czestochowaya Ministry for a Farewell event with Father Timothy on Sunday, August 23 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the @czestochowa_shrine, Doylestown, PA.
For more details and to participate please see the flyer below or visit https://phillyyam.org/events/.
We’re so blessed, under the leadership of Our Office for Faith Formation with Youth and Young Adults, to be fostering missionary discipleship and continuing to help forge meaningful pathways for the youth and young adults in the Church of Philadelphia to encounter Christ, grow in faith, and build authentic community! …
Last night, it was my great joy to gather with my brother bishops; the Clergy Committee chaired by Father Kevin Gallagher; our incredible lay leaders; cabinet members; leadership from our Strategy and Development Offices; and partners from the Steier Group at the new Pastoral Center for Mass and a reception. This gathering marks an exciting step in the transformative work of our Trust and Hope initiative and my pastoral vision.
I pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide this process and all those who are supporting this transformative work with their time, talent, and passion toward forming missionary disciples for Christ and strengthening the mission of the @archphilly today and for generations to come.
Learn more about this initiative at: TrustandHope.org
#TrustAndHope #CatholicChurchofPhiladelphia #CatholicEveryday
Last night, it was my great joy to gather with my brother bishops; the Clergy Committee chaired by Father Kevin Gallagher; our incredible lay leaders; cabinet members; leadership from our Strategy and Development Offices; and partners from the Steier Group at the new Pastoral Center for Mass and a reception. This gathering marks an exciting step in the transformative work of our Trust and Hope initiative and my pastoral vision.
I pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide this process and all those who are supporting this transformative work with their time, talent, and passion toward forming missionary disciples for Christ and strengthening the mission of the @archphilly today and for generations to come.
Learn more about this initiative at: TrustandHope.org
#TrustAndHope #CatholicChurchofPhiladelphia #CatholicEveryday …
This year’s @theabbeyfest will be held at the beautiful @czestochowa_shrine Doylestown, PA on September 19th.
I once again look forward to celebrating Mass and sharing in Eucharistic Adoration with thousands of faithful from across the @archphilly who will take part in this annual faith, family, and music festival. ✝️❤️🔥🎶
I hope to see you there!
Learn more at: https://theabbeyfest.com/
This year’s @theabbeyfest will be held at the beautiful @czestochowa_shrine Doylestown, PA on September 19th.
I once again look forward to celebrating Mass and sharing in Eucharistic Adoration with thousands of faithful from across the @archphilly who will take part in this annual faith, family, and music festival. ✝️❤️🔥🎶
I hope to see you there!
Learn more at: https://theabbeyfest.com/ …
The powerful earthquakes last month in Venezuela ravaged vast regions of that country resulting in a devastating loss of life, thousands of injuries, and destruction of personal property and infrastructure on a massive scale.
In the wake of this natural disaster, I am asking that parishes throughout our local Church consider assisting the Venezuelan people in two ways. First, we lift up in prayer all those who are suffering and mourning at this time. Second, we can provide for the many needs of those reeling in the wake of the earthquakes by financially supporting the work of @catholicreliefservices, the official overseas relief agency of the Catholic Church in the United States.
To that end, I am asking all parishes to take up a special second collection during the weekend of August 15-16, 2026 to bolster the essential humanitarian work being undertaken by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Venezuela at this time. This collection provides an opportunity for all in the @archphilly to serve as the compassionate hands of Christ for our brothers and sisters facing immense hardship in South America.
For more on this call for prayer and support see the piece published via @CatholicPhilly here: https://catholicphilly.com/2026/07/news/local-news/special-collection-will-aid-earthquake-victims-in-venezuela/
Learn more about the critical work of CRS around the world by visiting www.CRS.org
(image: Catholic Relief Services/Caritas Venezuela)
The powerful earthquakes last month in Venezuela ravaged vast regions of that country resulting in a devastating loss of life, thousands of injuries, and destruction of personal property and infrastructure on a massive scale.
In the wake of this natural disaster, I am asking that parishes throughout our local Church consider assisting the Venezuelan people in two ways. First, we lift up in prayer all those who are suffering and mourning at this time. Second, we can provide for the many needs of those reeling in the wake of the earthquakes by financially supporting the work of @catholicreliefservices, the official overseas relief agency of the Catholic Church in the United States.
To that end, I am asking all parishes to take up a special second collection during the weekend of August 15-16, 2026 to bolster the essential humanitarian work being undertaken by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Venezuela at this time. This collection provides an opportunity for all in the @archphilly to serve as the compassionate hands of Christ for our brothers and sisters facing immense hardship in South America.
For more on this call for prayer and support see the piece published via @CatholicPhilly here: https://catholicphilly.com/2026/07/news/local-news/special-collection-will-aid-earthquake-victims-in-venezuela/
Learn more about the critical work of CRS around the world by visiting www.CRS.org
(image: Catholic Relief Services/Caritas Venezuela) …
On Saturday night, I was blessed to have the opportunity to experience @lumini.scence at the @cathedralphila what an incredible expression of history, art, sacred music and especially our faith!
Learn more at https://luminiscence.com/philadelphia/
#philadelphia #catholic #CatholicChurchofPhiladelphia #luminiscence
On Saturday night, I was blessed to have the opportunity to experience @lumini.scence at the @cathedralphila what an incredible expression of history, art, sacred music and especially our faith!
Learn more at https://luminiscence.com/philadelphia/
#philadelphia #catholic #CatholicChurchofPhiladelphia #luminiscence …
Earlier this week, the @archphilly and @villanovau hosted my brother Bishops representing Dioceses across the U.S. who took part in this year’s Villanova Church Management & Diocesan Apostolate Church Leadership Program. It was a great evening hosted by Fr. Peter Donahue, Ph.D., OSA, President of Villanova University.
We concelebrated Mass together at the beautiful @stvparish followed by faith sharing and fellowship alongside the incredible administrators and staff of the Villanova Center for Church Management.
Learn more about this valuable ministry here: https://www1.villanova.edu/…/centers…/church-mgmt.html
May God bless these Bishops and their Dioceses abundantly!
Earlier this week, the @archphilly and @villanovau hosted my brother Bishops representing Dioceses across the U.S. who took part in this year’s Villanova Church Management & Diocesan Apostolate Church Leadership Program. It was a great evening hosted by Fr. Peter Donahue, Ph.D., OSA, President of Villanova University.
We concelebrated Mass together at the beautiful @stvparish followed by faith sharing and fellowship alongside the incredible administrators and staff of the Villanova Center for Church Management.
Learn more about this valuable ministry here: https://www1.villanova.edu/…/centers…/church-mgmt.html
May God bless these Bishops and their Dioceses abundantly! …
This week, our Trust and Hope initiative took another big step forward in the spirit of Missionary Discipleship. I was blessed to gather with my brother bishops, leadership from our Strategy Office, and the 14 priests and deacons of the @archphilly who have been appointed to the Clergy Committee which will assist me in guiding the process of the local Church’s upcoming campaign. We were also joined by our partners from the Steier Group who are assisting us in this critical work.
Learn more about our Clergy Committee via the @catholicphilly piece here: https://catholicphilly.com/2026/07/commentaries/clergy-to-help-shape-upcoming-campaign-with-focus-on-pastoral-ministry-missionary-discipleship/
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I affirmed during this meeting my deep and prayerful gratitude to these priests and deacons for sharing their wisdom and deep pastoral experience as we embark on this transformative effort. 🙏🕊️❤️
This week, our Trust and Hope initiative took another big step forward in the spirit of Missionary Discipleship. I was blessed to gather with my brother bishops, leadership from our Strategy Office, and the 14 priests and deacons of the @archphilly who have been appointed to the Clergy Committee which will assist me in guiding the process of the local Church’s upcoming campaign. We were also joined by our partners from the Steier Group who are assisting us in this critical work.
Learn more about our Clergy Committee via the @catholicphilly piece here: https://catholicphilly.com/2026/07/commentaries/clergy-to-help-shape-upcoming-campaign-with-focus-on-pastoral-ministry-missionary-discipleship/
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I affirmed during this meeting my deep and prayerful gratitude to these priests and deacons for sharing their wisdom and deep pastoral experience as we embark on this transformative effort. 🙏🕊️❤️ …
Our Missionary Hub Team at @stkatharinedrexelchurch community, in Chester, Delaware County, one of 5 hubs in the @archphilly, is hosting a series of evangelization workshops this summer.
These evangelization workshops are another way of equipping missionary disciples with the tools needed to support them in their mission and encourage them to walk in Christ’s footsteps and spread the message of God here on earth. 🙏🕊
You can learn more about the summer workshops from the @catholicphilly piece: Link in Bio
For more on the important work of our five Missionary Hubs in the Church of Philadelphia, visit: https://trustandhope.org/missionary-hubs/
May God bless you abundantly!
Our Missionary Hub Team at @stkatharinedrexelchurch community, in Chester, Delaware County, one of 5 hubs in the @archphilly, is hosting a series of evangelization workshops this summer.
These evangelization workshops are another way of equipping missionary disciples with the tools needed to support them in their mission and encourage them to walk in Christ’s footsteps and spread the message of God here on earth. 🙏🕊
You can learn more about the summer workshops from the @catholicphilly piece: Link in Bio
For more on the important work of our five Missionary Hubs in the Church of Philadelphia, visit: https://trustandhope.org/missionary-hubs/
May God bless you abundantly! …
Reflecting on the July 4th weekend and the conclusion of the @eucharistic_revival pilgrimage here in Philadelphia as our nation celebrated its 250th birthday, I am still awestruck by the beauty of this moment for the Church in the United States and the @archphilly.
I ask you all to join me in profound and prayerful gratitude to our Holy Father for his inspiring video message on the Eucharist that was played for the thousands in attendance and broadcast to millions more around the world. We are deeply blessed by his wisdom and his Petrine ministry.
I am also deeply thankful to all those who made these prayer-filled and fulfilling days reality through their hard work, dedication, and willingness to share their gifts for the glory of our Lord. Special thanks go to Father Dennis Gill, Rector of the @cathedralphila and Director of our Office for Divine Worship, along with his staff; Jason Shanks and the team from the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage; @vaticannews; @ewtnmedia for its incredible broadcast coverage and constant social media presence; Daniel Kearns, our broadcast media wizard; @catholicphilly, and our entire communications team!
What an incredibly blessed event 🙏🕊️✝️!
You can relive highlights of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s conclusion in Philadelphia via a beautiful video reflection produced by @ewtnnewsindepth on YouTube at Youtube.com/@EWTNNews
Get @reshare_app • @ewtnnewsindepth During Fourth of July weekend, Pope Leo XIV delivered two video messages to pilgrims in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American freedom. Correspondent Mark Irons joins the historic Eucharistic procession that concluded the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage as America celebrated its 250th anniversary.
🎥 Watch the full segment: Youtube.com/@EWTNNews
Reflecting on the July 4th weekend and the conclusion of the @eucharistic_revival pilgrimage here in Philadelphia as our nation celebrated its 250th birthday, I am still awestruck by the beauty of this moment for the Church in the United States and the @archphilly.
I ask you all to join me in profound and prayerful gratitude to our Holy Father for his inspiring video message on the Eucharist that was played for the thousands in attendance and broadcast to millions more around the world. We are deeply blessed by his wisdom and his Petrine ministry.
I am also deeply thankful to all those who made these prayer-filled and fulfilling days reality through their hard work, dedication, and willingness to share their gifts for the glory of our Lord. Special thanks go to Father Dennis Gill, Rector of the @cathedralphila and Director of our Office for Divine Worship, along with his staff; Jason Shanks and the team from the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage; @vaticannews; @ewtnmedia for its incredible broadcast coverage and constant social media presence; Daniel Kearns, our broadcast media wizard; @catholicphilly, and our entire communications team!
What an incredibly blessed event 🙏🕊️✝️!
You can relive highlights of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s conclusion in Philadelphia via a beautiful video reflection produced by @ewtnnewsindepth on YouTube at Youtube.com/@EWTNNews
Get @reshare_app • @ewtnnewsindepth During Fourth of July weekend, Pope Leo XIV delivered two video messages to pilgrims in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American freedom. Correspondent Mark Irons joins the historic Eucharistic procession that concluded the 2026 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage as America celebrated its 250th anniversary.
🎥 Watch the full segment: Youtube.com/@EWTNNews …
Earlier today, news of the appointment of Paul DiLorenzo as the director of the @archphilly’s Office for Child and Youth Protection, effective Aug. 3 was shared.
Please join me in offering prayerful best wishes for Paul as he begins this critical role in the local Church.
You can read more on this appointment via the piece published on @catholicphilly :
https://catholicphilly.com/2026/07/news/people-and-events/paul-dilorenzo-named-director-of-the-archdiocesan-office-for-child-and-youth-protection/
Earlier today, news of the appointment of Paul DiLorenzo as the director of the @archphilly’s Office for Child and Youth Protection, effective Aug. 3 was shared.
Please join me in offering prayerful best wishes for Paul as he begins this critical role in the local Church.
You can read more on this appointment via the piece published on @catholicphilly :
https://catholicphilly.com/2026/07/news/people-and-events/paul-dilorenzo-named-director-of-the-archdiocesan-office-for-child-and-youth-protection/ …