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
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 …
This Saturday, May 16th will be a day of great joy for the @archphilly as eight men will be ordained to the priesthood, for our Archdiocese, during a solemn Mass at the @cathedralphila at 10:00 am.
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I invite you to participate in the Ordination Mass in person or via livestream on my Facebook page or via https://vimeo.com/event/2470138. 🕊️🙏
Read this piece via @catholicphilly for more: https://catholicphilly.com/2026/05/news/local-news/archbishop-perez-to-ordain-largest-class-of-new-priests-in-23-years/
This Saturday, May 16th will be a day of great joy for the @archphilly as eight men will be ordained to the priesthood, for our Archdiocese, during a solemn Mass at the @cathedralphila at 10:00 am.
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I invite you to participate in the Ordination Mass in person or via livestream on my Facebook page or via https://vimeo.com/event/2470138. 🕊️🙏
Read this piece via @catholicphilly for more: https://catholicphilly.com/2026/05/news/local-news/archbishop-perez-to-ordain-largest-class-of-new-priests-in-23-years/ …
This past Saturday, it was my great joy to ordain three men to the Permanent Diaconate at the @cathedralphila, Philadelphia joined by my brother bishops and priests, deacons, their wives, loved ones, and the lay faithful.
As Deacons, Kevin J. Kelly, John A. Milius, and Shawn P. Terkhorn will assist bishops and priests, focusing on service (diakonia) by proclaiming the Gospel, administering certain sacraments, and serving the poor and marginalized.
Please join me in offering these men and their wives prayerful congratulations as they begin their service as Deacons for the @archphilly.
Learn more via this @catholicphilly piece: https://catholicphilly.com/2026/05/news/local-news/serve-others-with-joy-archbishop-perez-ordains-three-permanent-deacons/
This past Saturday, it was my great joy to ordain three men to the Permanent Diaconate at the @cathedralphila, Philadelphia joined by my brother bishops and priests, deacons, their wives, loved ones, and the lay faithful.
As Deacons, Kevin J. Kelly, John A. Milius, and Shawn P. Terkhorn will assist bishops and priests, focusing on service (diakonia) by proclaiming the Gospel, administering certain sacraments, and serving the poor and marginalized.
Please join me in offering these men and their wives prayerful congratulations as they begin their service as Deacons for the @archphilly.
Learn more via this @catholicphilly piece: https://catholicphilly.com/2026/05/news/local-news/serve-others-with-joy-archbishop-perez-ordains-three-permanent-deacons/ …
Last Friday, I had the joy of joining the @ancillaeassumpta community for the Celebration of the Eucharist and May Crowning in celebration of the Academy’s 80th anniversary and recognition of 100 years of the @handmaidsofthesacredheart presence in the United States.
The Academy currently serves approximately 580 students and is supported by 120 faculty and staff members. It is truly vibrant school community!
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother may God continue to bless the Ancillae-Assumpta Academy community and the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus!
Last Friday, I had the joy of joining the @ancillaeassumpta community for the Celebration of the Eucharist and May Crowning in celebration of the Academy’s 80th anniversary and recognition of 100 years of the @handmaidsofthesacredheart presence in the United States.
The Academy currently serves approximately 580 students and is supported by 120 faculty and staff members. It is truly vibrant school community!
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother may God continue to bless the Ancillae-Assumpta Academy community and the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus! …
On Thursday evening I was blessed to attend the 2026 @blocsphilly Gala, celebrating the impact of need-based scholarships for children and the 25th Anniversary of EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit). It was a wonderful evening meeting students representing schools throughout the @archphilly alongside my brother Bishops and leadership from the Office of Catholic Education.
Learn more about BLOCS at https://www.blocs.org
On Thursday evening I was blessed to attend the 2026 @blocsphilly Gala, celebrating the impact of need-based scholarships for children and the 25th Anniversary of EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit). It was a wonderful evening meeting students representing schools throughout the @archphilly alongside my brother Bishops and leadership from the Office of Catholic Education.
Learn more about BLOCS at https://www.blocs.org …
Happy Mother’s Day!
🕊️🙏💙
#mothersday
Happy Mother’s Day!
🕊️🙏💙
#mothersday …
¡Feliz Día de la Madre!
🕊️🙏🏻💙
#díadelamadre
¡Feliz Día de la Madre!
🕊️🙏🏻💙
#díadelamadre …
Tessie Baumann, a current @thecultureprojectintl missionary we’re blessed to have serving in the @archphilly shared a beautiful reflection on Tuesday evening on the work and outreach of the missionaries in our schools and parishes.
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“The Faith is alive. God desires us to experience real and authentic love in our lives.” – Tessie
🕊️🙏
https://thecultureproject.org/
Tessie Baumann, a current @thecultureprojectintl missionary we’re blessed to have serving in the @archphilly shared a beautiful reflection on Tuesday evening on the work and outreach of the missionaries in our schools and parishes.
.
.
.
“The Faith is alive. God desires us to experience real and authentic love in our lives.” – Tessie
🕊️🙏
https://thecultureproject.org/ …
This weekend it’ll be my great joy to ordain three men to the Permanent Diaconate for service in the @archphilly following their completion of a six-year formation program at @stcharlessem.
The Rite of Ordination will take place, during Mass following the Liturgy of the Word, at the @cathedralphila, Philadelphia this Saturday, May 9th at 10:00 a.m. It will be streamed live on my Facebook page as well as www.scs.edu and vimeo.com/event/2470138
More coverage via @catholicphilly : https://catholicphilly.com/2026/05/news/local-news/three-men-to-be-ordained-permanent-deacons-may-9/
This weekend it’ll be my great joy to ordain three men to the Permanent Diaconate for service in the @archphilly following their completion of a six-year formation program at @stcharlessem.
The Rite of Ordination will take place, during Mass following the Liturgy of the Word, at the @cathedralphila, Philadelphia this Saturday, May 9th at 10:00 a.m. It will be streamed live on my Facebook page as well as www.scs.edu and vimeo.com/event/2470138
More coverage via @catholicphilly : https://catholicphilly.com/2026/05/news/local-news/three-men-to-be-ordained-permanent-deacons-may-9/ …
It was a joy to spend time in audience with our Holy Father, Pope Leo, earlier today in Rome!
(Photo credit: Vatican Media)
Read more on this via @ewtnmedia here: https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/us/answering-call-to-serve-the-poor-papal-foundation-announces-more-than-usd15-million-in-grants (link in bio)
It was a joy to spend time in audience with our Holy Father, Pope Leo, earlier today in Rome!
(Photo credit: Vatican Media)
Read more on this via @ewtnmedia here: https://www.ewtnnews.com/world/us/answering-call-to-serve-the-poor-papal-foundation-announces-more-than-usd15-million-in-grants (link in bio) …
This week, I have had the honor of gathering in Rome with the Trustees of the Papal Foundation, of whom I am a member, and the St. Steward’s of St. Peter. I was blessed to spend time with Cardinal Dolan, Chair of the Board of Trustees , and our own fellow Philadelphians, Ward Fitzgerald, President and David Savage, Executive Director.
The Papal Foundation is a charitable organization in the United States dedicated to fulfilling the requests of the Holy Father for the needs of the Catholic Church in developing countries. Since its inception in 1988, the Papal Foundation and its Stewards of Saint Peter have allocated $250 million in grants and scholarships around the world to more than 2,000 projects selected by Popes Francis and Benedict, and Saint John Paul II.
During our time in Rome, we have shared wonderful times in prayer, celebrations of the Eucharist, and have had amazing discussions on how to serve the Holy Father and his charitable initiatives around the world. I’m so deeply impressed by the passion and love the Papal Foundation has for the Church and the Pope.
Today, we were blessed to have a private audience with Pope Leo ….. we are all so excited.
For more information on the Papal Foundation, please visit: https://www.thepapalfoundation.org
(Group photo with the Holy Father credited to: Vatican Media)
This week, I have had the honor of gathering in Rome with the Trustees of the Papal Foundation, of whom I am a member, and the St. Steward’s of St. Peter. I was blessed to spend time with Cardinal Dolan, Chair of the Board of Trustees , and our own fellow Philadelphians, Ward Fitzgerald, President and David Savage, Executive Director.
The Papal Foundation is a charitable organization in the United States dedicated to fulfilling the requests of the Holy Father for the needs of the Catholic Church in developing countries. Since its inception in 1988, the Papal Foundation and its Stewards of Saint Peter have allocated $250 million in grants and scholarships around the world to more than 2,000 projects selected by Popes Francis and Benedict, and Saint John Paul II.
During our time in Rome, we have shared wonderful times in prayer, celebrations of the Eucharist, and have had amazing discussions on how to serve the Holy Father and his charitable initiatives around the world. I’m so deeply impressed by the passion and love the Papal Foundation has for the Church and the Pope.
Today, we were blessed to have a private audience with Pope Leo ….. we are all so excited.
For more information on the Papal Foundation, please visit: https://www.thepapalfoundation.org
(Group photo with the Holy Father credited to: Vatican Media) …
This past Sunday, on the Feast of Our Mother of Good Counsel, it was my joy to join Fr. Joe Mostardi, O.S.A.; clergy; consecrated religious; and lay faithful of Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish community in Bryn Mawr for the closing Eucharistic celebration of the parish’s 140th Anniversary!
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Our Mother of Good Counsel, intercede for us!
This past Sunday, on the Feast of Our Mother of Good Counsel, it was my joy to join Fr. Joe Mostardi, O.S.A.; clergy; consecrated religious; and lay faithful of Our Mother of Good Counsel Parish community in Bryn Mawr for the closing Eucharistic celebration of the parish’s 140th Anniversary!
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Our Mother of Good Counsel, intercede for us! …