Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez Issues Call for Prayerful Solidarity in Advance of the Conclave to Elect the Next Pope

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As the Universal Church concludes the tradition of novendiales with nine days of prayer for the happy repose of the soul of Pope Francis, we continue to lift our hearts in gratitude for the gift of his life and Petrine ministry. The Church of Philadelphia will forever cherish his time with us during the World Meeting of Families–Philadelphia in 2015. May Pope Francis rest in peace through the mercy of God.

Beginning on May 7, 2025, the College of Cardinals will open the Conclave and prayerfully discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the election of a new Supreme Pontiff for the Church.

The coming days offer an opportunity for all of us to pray for the College of Cardinals and the Church as a whole. I invite you to pray fervently for these intentions during celebrations of the Mass, frequent Eucharistic adoration, rosary devotions, and private prayer. In parishes across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, holy hours have been scheduled for this purpose. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, please visit archphila.org/conclave.

The following petition is also being shared with all parishes in our local Church for the Universal Prayer at Masses in the days leading up to the election of a new Pope.

For confident assurance in the work of the Holy Spirit, for all the members of the Church, and especially for the Cardinal electors, for the election of a new universal Shepherd and successor to Saint Peter for the needs of our times,

Let us pray to the Lord. / Lord, hear our prayer.

May Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church, prayerfully intercede with the Lord to choose a shepherd after His own heart, and may God bless you abundantly.

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia

Monsignor McCormac shares highlights from the Pastoral Report.

Monsignor McCormac’s Easter Greetings!

Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez sent a letter of prayerful greetings to the Jewish faith community in the Philadelphia region on the occasion of Passover, which begins Saturday evening, April 12, 2025.

Click here to read the letter.

A heartfelt message from Deacon Isaac Wahlmeier

Statement of Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez on the Appointment of Most Reverend Bruce A. Lewandowski, C.Ss.R. as the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Providence

“With great joy, I learned that Pope Francis appointed Most Reverend Bruce Lewandowski, C.Ss.R. as the tenth bishop of the Diocese of Providence! He is well known to me and to the people of the Church of Philadelphia as a priest of boundless dedication and great compassion for the souls entrusted to his pastoral care. 

For many years, our local Church was blessed by the presence and priestly ministry of then-Father Lewandowski as both a pastor in many of our parishes and as the Vicar for Cultural Ministries tending to the unique needs of our diverse Catholic family throughout the region. It has been an honor to work with him in several capacities over the course of many years. The people of Providence are receiving a true gift from the Holy Father with this appointment.

I ask that the bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated religious, and lay faithful throughout the Philadelphia region join me in extending warmest congratulations and prayerful best wishes to Bishop Lewandowski as he prepares to assume this new role in service to the Church. 

May his apostolic ministry for the good of souls in Rhode Island be strengthened by the Holy Spirit through the intercession of Saint John Neumann.”

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.

Archbishop of Philadelphia

Monsignor McCormac bids Deacon Isaac Wahlmeier a fond farewell.